Andrew Lloyd Webber QUITS as Tory peer claiming he is 'too busy' in music career
LORD LLOYD-WEBBER quit as a Tory peer last night to concentrate on his music.
Andrew Lloyd Webber has quit as a Tory peer to concentrate on his music
The multi-millionaire musical theatre mogul wrote to the Clerk of Parliament yesterday to express his desire to resign from the House of Lords.
His resignation was due to come into effect at midnight.
In a letter to the Tory chief whip in the upper house, the Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats and Phantom of the Opera composer wrote: "I have been privileged to be a member of the House for 20 years and resign with a heavy heart, but in the knowledge that what is expected from a member today is very different from what it was when I joined the House in 1997.
I have a work schedule stretching ahead of me that is the busiest of my career to date
"I have a work schedule stretching ahead of me that is the busiest of my career to date.
"This means it would be impossible for me to regularly vote or properly consider the vitally important issues that the House of Lords will face as a consequence of Brexit .
"I feel my place should be taken by someone who can devote the time to the House of Lords that the current situation dictates.
Andrew is due to publish an autobiography next year to coincide with his 70th birthday
Susanna Reid says Andrew Lloyd Webber once rejected her
"I have enjoyed my time in the House of Lords immensely and hope that my place can be taken by someone who can meet the demands and circumstances that the changing character of the House of Lords increasingly requires."
Andrew Lloyd Webber, a Tory supporter and donor for many years, was made a life peer in 1997 by John Major.
Lord Lloyd-Webber is due to publish an autobiography next year to coincide with his 70th birthday.