The Chiltern Hundreds

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The idea

Allow MPs to resign their seats, plain and simple.

Why is it important?

"Under a Resolution of the House of 2 March 1624, Members of Parliament cannot directly resign their seat. Death, disqualification and expulsion are the only means by which a Member's seat may be vacated during the lifetime of a Parliament. Therefore a Member wishing to resign has to go through the process of applying for a paid office of the Crown, which automatically disqualifies the Member from holding a seat in the House of Commons. There are two such offices: Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds and of the Manor of Northstead."

It might be quaint, but seriously this place is supposed to be running the country – can we make things a little more efficient?

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