The House of Lords is today expected to give the green light to controversial reforms to the Corporation of London.

Legislation which gives businesses the vote in the City - and is not based, as other public authorities are, on universal suffrage - has been delayed by Labour MPs for over three years.

Forum Response: Corporation of London

Judith Mayhew, chair of the policy and resources committee, said: "I am really, really hoping that it will be wrapped up. It has been a very long haul but the bill will make the Corporation of London truly representative of the modern City.

"We have done what the government asked us to do. We are a business council representing a business district that is the most important international financial centre in the world.

"You can only do so much at once. Changing the base of the electorate was the starting point."