The Steward of Chiltern Hundreds was once responsible for protecting people from criminals hiding in the woods. Today, government officials can take on this role as a way to resign from their current position, but they must also vacate their seat in the government. Once their term as Steward is complete, they are officially retired from their previous job.
The Steward of Chiltern Hundreds is a role in English law that has evolved over time. Initially, the Steward’s duty was to safeguard residents from criminals who sought refuge in the wooded areas of the hundreds. Nowadays, this position serves as a means for members of Parliament to resign, which is typically prohibited by law. When a member of Parliament accepts the appointment as Steward of Chiltern Hundreds, they relinquish their seat in Parliament. This fulfils the resignation process and enables the member to vacate their position. For instance, if a member of Parliament desires to resign but is legally prohibited from doing so, they can accept the appointment as Steward of Chiltern Hundreds. This grants them the opportunity to leave their position and pursue other endeavors. Another scenario is if a member of Parliament wishes to retire but is legally unable to do so, they can accept the appointment as Steward of Chiltern Hundreds. This allows them to retire and enjoy their well-deserved retirement years.
The Steward of Chiltern Hundreds is a legal position that allows Members of Parliament (MPs) to resign from their position. It is a procedural step required for MPs who wish to step down from their parliamentary duties.
The Steward of Chiltern Hundreds is appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. When an MP wishes to resign, they apply to the Chancellor, who then appoints them as the Steward of Chiltern Hundreds.
No, only Members of Parliament can become the Steward of Chiltern Hundreds. It is a position specifically created for MPs who want to resign from their parliamentary duties.
The Steward of Chiltern Hundreds does not have any specific responsibilities or duties. It is merely a procedural step to facilitate an MP’s resignation.
No, an MP cannot hold any other position or engage in any other paid employment while being the Steward of Chiltern Hundreds. It is considered incompatible with the role.
The appointment as the Steward of Chiltern Hundreds is temporary and typically lasts for a few days. It is a necessary step to formally resign from the position of an MP.
Once an MP becomes the Steward of Chiltern Hundreds, their resignation is considered final. They cannot change their mind and continue serving as an MP.
No, becoming the Steward of Chiltern Hundreds is a voluntary decision made by the MP who wishes to resign. It cannot be forced upon them.
No, once an MP has resigned and served as the Steward of Chiltern Hundreds, they cannot be reappointed to the same position in the future. It is a one-time process.
Becoming the Steward of Chiltern Hundreds does not have any direct impact on an MP’s pension or benefits. However, resigning from their position as an MP may have implications on their entitlements, which would be governed by separate rules and regulations.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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