Richard Layard is a British economist and Labour peer. He is best known for his work on happiness economics and for his role in the development of the UK's New Labour movement. He is a professor at the London School of Economics and a member of the House of Lords. Layard has written extensively on the economics of happiness, arguing that economic growth should be measured in terms of happiness rather than GDP. He has also written on the economics of unemployment, inequality, and poverty. He has been a strong advocate for mental health reform, and has been involved in the development of the UK's Mental Health Act. Layard is a passionate advocate for social justice and has been a vocal critic of austerity policies.