Kay was created a life peer in May 2000. She served as a Government Whip from May 2002, and was a Government Spokesperson for Education and Skills; Health; and Work and Pensions until May 2005. She was then appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government. Kay was Chair of English Heritage from July 2009 to July 2013 and today holds senior and trustee positions on several charity boards.