Chiltern Hundreds

The office of Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern is a sinecure that is used by the British Parliament to allow MPs the resignation.

Term

The Chiltern Hundreds ( Chiltern Harden ) are in Buckinghamshire. Set in the Chiltern Hills Harden were formerly notorious as a stronghold of bandits and robbers. Since the 13th century the land of the crown, which ordered a royal overseer and Vogt, who was responsible for the observance of law and order in the Harden belonged. Since the 17th century there is an office with no official duties for the incumbent who receives a marginal fee.

Today's function

Following a decision of the House in 1624 MPs can not resign. This decision resulted from a time, could be elected as an MP even against their will. On the other hand, a deputy after the Act of Settlement resign from parliament if he accepts a paid public office, because then there are concerns about its independence.

A deputy who wants to resign from the House of Commons, applying the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the office of Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds, or alternatively, the Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead. He is then appointed and retains the office until the next appropriate action. Both of the aforementioned offices are occupied alternately.

Currently, the Labour politician Marsha Singh Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds.