Lloyd Webber bows out of the Lords due to workload

COMPOSER Andrew Lloyd Webber is quitting the House of Lords because his workload means he cannot attend crucial votes on Brexit.

The Tory peer, renowned for musicals including the Phantom of the Opera and Cats, said the demands of being a member of the upper house were “very different” from when he joined in 1997.

The 69-year-old said he was facing the busiest work schedule of his career and it would be “impossible” to regularly take part in debates or votes on the process of leaving the European Union.

Lord Lloyd-Webber — whose official title includes a hyphen in his surname under House of Lords rules — said: “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.

“This means it would be impossible for me to 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. I have enjoyed my time in the House of Lords immensely and I hope that my place can be taken by someone who can meet the demands which the changing character of the House of Lords increasingly requires.”

His workload includes plans for a live television special of Jesus Christ Superstar and an autobiography to mark his 70th birthday in 2018.