Sugar takes his Lords seat
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Alan Sugar took his seat in the House of Lords today following his appointment last month as Prime Minister Gordon Brown's 'enterprise tsar'.
He was supported in affirming his allegiance to the Queen by business minister Baroness Vadera and Lord Davies of Abersoch.
In front of packed public galleries, Lord Sugar was greeted by a quieter than usual cheer of support when he shook hands with the Lord Speaker Baroness Hayman as he left the chamber following the short ceremony.
The star of the BBC television show The Apprentice, who is famous for his catchphrase "You're fired", has come under pressure following his appointment.
Tories have claimed that he cannot work for the BBC and for the Government, although Lord Sugar has argued his role is advisory and "politically neutral".
Opposition peers were noticeably silent when his introduction was cheered.
When he returned to the Lords 10 minutes after the ceremony of introduction, he took a seat on the Labour backbenches immediately behind Government ministers.
Lord Sugar, as with other new peers, wore ermine for his introduction and was led into the chamber by Black Rod and accompanied by two similarly dressed members of the Lords, who stood by him while the formalities were read out.
His decision to choose two allies of Mr Brown as his supporters is likely to be seized on by opponents of his dual role.
Lady Vadera was an adviser to Mr Brown at the Treasury and Lord Davies left his role as chairman of Standard Chartered when he was appointed to the Government in January.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments