Why I ... did not resign the Conservative whip last week

I was minded to resign originally because we were all so upset at the way things happened last Wednesday. Feelings were running high and a lot of people were talking about resigning. But I was persuaded not to for three very good reasons. First, the splendid deal Lord Cranborne brokered is going ahead anyway. We shall have a very balanced neutral house capable of being critical of any government of any colour.

Second, I decided to take the Tory whip when I took my seat. Third, Her Majesty's opposition must be able to continue. Just resigning would take the opposition away in the Lords and that would be lamentable.

I think what happened was very unfortunate. It did not do William Hague or the party's image any good at all.

Baroness Perry of Southwark President of Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge, became a life peer in 1991