Paterson officially no longer an MP

The Chancellor has officially appointed Owen Paterson as Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead.

This is a formal device which allows MPs to resign in effect, as officially resigning is prohibited.

The position was first used in this way on 20 March 1844 to allow Sir George Henry Rose, Member for Christchurch, to resign his seat in Parliament.

The office of the Chiltern Hundreds is also used for the same procedure.