The holder of this office would normally become Leader of the House of Lords if the party wins an election and forms the government.

This position has been held by Lord True since 8 July 2024.

In the nineteenth century, party affiliations were generally less fixed and the leaders in the two Houses were often of equal status.

A single and clear Leader of the Opposition was only definitively settled if the opposition leader in the House of Commons or House of Lords was the outgoing prime minister.

However, since the Parliament Act 1911, there has been no dispute that the leader in the House of Commons is pre-eminent and has always held the primary title.