Chiltern Hundreds meaning

Chiltern Hundreds definitions

The Chiltern Hundreds, also known as the stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds, is an ancient office of profit under the British Crown. The Chiltern Hundreds is a legal fiction, created to allow Members of Parliament (MPs) to resign from the House of Commons. This office is used when an MP wants to retire or resign from their position, as MPs are technically not allowed to resign. By taking this stewardship, the MP is considered disqualified from sitting in the House of Commons.

History of the Chiltern Hundreds

The exact origins of the Chiltern Hundreds are unclear, but it dates back to at least the 14th century. The name "Chiltern Hundreds" comes from the stewardship of three hundreds (administrative divisions) in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire. Originally, the office was a legitimate post with responsibilities, but over time, it evolved into a nominal position used for parliamentary resignation purposes.

Procedure for Resignation

When an MP wishes to resign, they apply for the Chiltern Hundreds or the Manor of Northstead (another stewardship used for the same purpose). Once the Crown approves the application, the MP is appointed as Steward of the Chiltern Hundreds. This appointment disqualifies the MP from serving in Parliament. The Speaker of the House of Commons announces the vacancy, and a by-election is held to fill the seat.

Significance of the Chiltern Hundreds

While the Chiltern Hundreds is a historical curiosity and a procedural formality today, it serves an important function in maintaining the integrity of the British parliamentary system. By disqualifying MPs who wish to resign, it prevents the abuse of positions of power and ensures that the electorate has the opportunity to elect a new representative in a timely manner.

In conclusion, the Chiltern Hundreds may seem like a quaint and antiquated practice, but it plays a crucial role in the workings of the British Parliament. It symbolizes the principles of accountability and democracy, ensuring that MPs cannot simply walk away from their duties without following due process.

Chiltern Hundreds Examples

1. After being elected to Parliament, he applied for the Stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds.
2. She was given the position of Steward of the Chiltern Hundreds as a ceremonial office.
3. The Chiltern Hundreds is an ancient administrative area in Buckinghamshire, England.
4. The Chiltern Hundreds is a legal device used to resign from the House of Commons.
5. The Stewardship of the Chiltern Hundreds is a paid position with no actual duties.
6. The Chiltern Hundreds is often used as a way for MPs to resign from Parliament.
7. He decided to take the Chiltern Hundreds after facing a scandal in his political career.
8. The Chiltern Hundreds has been used as a method of resignation since the 18th century.
9. She was appointed to the Chiltern Hundreds after serving as an MP for over a decade.
10. The Steward of the Chiltern Hundreds is appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

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