The Hon. Charles Byers (24 March 1949–31 August 2021)

[David Beamish]

From The Times of 9 September 2021:

BYERS His Honour Charles William Byers died peacefully on 31st August 2021, aged 72, at home with family by his side. Loving husband to Mary, father to Jonathan and George, Grandpa to eight grandchildren and brother to his three sisters. The funeral will be held at St Nicholas Church, Godstone on 1st October at 12.30pm, for further details please contact Alex Jones Funeral Directors, 01883 730383, the family request family flowers only.

He was the (only) son of Charles Frank (known as Frank) Byers (24 July 1915-6 February 1984), who was created a life peer as Lord Byers on 22 December 1964 and served as Liberal Leader in the House of Lords from 1967 until his death.

[marquess]

I wonder what the criteria was in 64 for receiving a Life Peerage as opposed to an hereditary one?

[David Beamish]

The Byers peerage came just after Harold Wilson had become Prime Minister, and the only hereditary peerages created by him were those recommended by Sir Alec Douglas-Home on resignation. See the London Gazette No. 43502 (https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/43502/supplement/10227) for his list, dated 1 December 1964 - the peerages created for men in this list were all hereditary.

See the London Gazette No. 43506 (https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/43506/supplement/10317) for a list, dated 4 December 1964, of nominations, including this one, from the Labour and Liberal parties - all for life peerages.