Denis MacShane appointed to the Three Hundreds of Chiltern
6 November 2012 (updated on 6 November 2012)
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has appointed Denis MacShane to be Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern. A by-election will take place at a later date in the Rotherham constituency.
How an MP vacates their seat
A resolution passed by the House of Commons on 2 March 1624 prohibits MPs directly from resigning their seats. Death, disqualification and expulsion are the only means by which a Member’s seat may be vacated during the lifetime of a Parliament.
An MP who wishes to resign has to go through the process of applying for a paid office of the Crown, which automatically disqualifies the MP from holding a seat in the House of Commons. There are two offices which MPs can apply for, Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chilterns Hundreds and of the Manor of Northstead.
An MP wishing to resign applies to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for one of the offices, which he or she retains until the Chancellor appoints another applicant or until the holder applies for release from it. (Every new warrant issued revokes the previous holder). It is usual to grant the offices alternately; as this enables two Members to retire at precisely the same time.
Further information
The House of Commons Library briefing paper on resignation from the House of Commons and provides more information on the history of the Chiltern Hundreds Manor of Northstead.
A Parliamentary Information List provides information on who has been appointed to the Chiltern Hundreds and Manor of Northstead since 1850.