The FINANCIAL -- LONDON. The U.K. government has plans to radically reform the House of Lords and replace it with a wholly elected 300-seat second chamber, the British media reported on March 14.

The proposals, which have been leaked to The Sunday Telegraph and are expected to be announced soon, would sweep away centuries of tradition and set ministers on a collision course with the current 704-member House of Lords, which is resolutely opposed to having elected members, the paper said.

The plans would see all members of the new-look assembly being directly elected - ending the system of hereditary and life peerage in the House of Lords, the paper said.

The plan comes amid growing concern over peers' abuse of expenses, The Sunday Times reported.

Although the plan is unlikely to become law before parliament is dissolved, Labor strategists hope it will open up a dividing line with the Conservatives, who will be reluctant to back any Labor reforms, the paper said.

This move "is designed to put the Tories on the back foot during the election campaign," the paper said.

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