Martin Lewis says he was rejected by the House of Lords because he was too busy

MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis revealed he had applied to be a crossbench peer, but he was “honest” that he might not have the time to participate in many debates

Consumer expert Martin Lewis said he was turned down for a peerage – because he was too busy.

The MoneySavingExpert revealed he had applied for a seat in the House of Lords but said he had been “honest” that he might not have the time to attend many debates.

Speaking to the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast, Mr Lewis said he was recently grilled by the House of Lords Appeals Committee over his bid for a crossbench peerage.

But he said he told the commission he was “very busy” with his role as consumer champion and looking after his daughter.

Mr Lewis has become a feared critic of the government’s efforts to deal with the cost of living crisis as pressure on household budgets mounts.

But he said: “I never attack the Tories, I attack the policies of the government.

Mr Lewis told the podcast he was a member of the Liberal Democrats until he was 24 but has been a “floating voter” ever since.

Mr Lewis said his attempt to become an independent peer was rejected by the House of Lords Appeals Committee just a few weeks ago.

“I did this really stupid thing and I was honest in the interview,” he said.

He said he told the commission he could only offer a limited number of hours.

“I’m very busy with my job, but most importantly I have a nine-year-old daughter and until she’s 13 my most important job is to be with her from 6:30pm to 8pm at night and put her to bed .

“I would see my role as learning for three to five years, with limited input, and then progressively investing more time in the House of Lords over the next five to 10 years.”

Mr Lewis suggested this may have been a “stumbling block” to his application, although he said the commission had encouraged him to apply again in the future.

“I don’t think I was ready to give them the time they felt was necessary to be with the Lords.”

A spokesman for the Lord said: “Appointments will be made on how people can contribute to the home but not on the basis of caring or family circumstances.

“It’s a very competitive process. We have very few positions and therefore have to turn down some very good candidates.”