LONDON 

Far-right leader Nigel Farage has called for the right to nominate Reform UK supporters to the House of Lords, saying it would address what he described as a “democratic disparity.”

The demand was rejected by Defense Secretary John Healey, who said parliament would not benefit from “more Putin apologists.”

In a letter to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Reform UK leader said it is unfair that other smaller parties, including the Greens, have members in the unelected upper chamber while his party does not, despite receiving more votes in last year's general election.

In what Farage described as a “modest request,” he said: “Reform UK wishes to appoint life peers to the upper house at the earliest possible opportunity.”

Political appointments to the House of Lords are made at the discretion of the prime minister, who is under no constitutional obligation to elevate opposition figures.

However, under political convention, No. 10 invites opposition leaders to nominate candidates for peerages.

Downing Street has yet to respond to Farage’s demand.

Speaking on LBC radio on Friday, Healey said the Reform leader wanted to fill the Lords with “his cronies” and noted that Mr. Farage had previously called for the abolition of the chamber.

“I’m not sure that parliament’s going to benefit from more Putin apologists like Nigel Farage, to be honest,” Healey said.

Asked whether that accusation was “a bit strong,” he replied: “Look at what he’s said about Russia; look at what he’s said about Putin in the past.”