but those who seek to pedal it can take a university to court? the house of lords has a new member after the by election that never was. when one of the 92 hereditary peers dies, those left in their party group choose a successor. but the death of labour's lord rea left only three hereditary peers in the electorate to choose his replacement. the clerk of the parliaments updated the house of lords what happened next. only one candidate submitted a candidacy form. there was therefore no requirement for a ballot to take place and accordingly, i have certified that viscount stansgate was the successful candidate. and notice detailing the results is in the printed paper office and online. and if that name sounds familiar it's because viscount stansgate is the eldest son of the late labour minister tony benn. you may remember tony benn secured a change in the law to renounce his peerage when his own father died so he could continue as an mp. stephen benn reclaimed the peerage