GB News's Tom Harwood explains how Nigel Farage went from MP for Clacton to Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead
But MPs can't technically resign their office, as they are put there by the people.
As with all MP resignations, Farage had to use a loophole developed over centuries of British constitutional history.
Certain ‘offices of profit’ under the crown are incompatible with membership of the House of Commons for various archaic reasons.
A 1680 Commons resolution said that any MP accepting an “office or place of profit” from the Crown would automatically lose their seat.
This was a measure to prevent the King buying the loyalty of MPs at a time of fractious relations between Parliament and the Crown.
As a result, taking certain offices would disqualify membership of the commons absolutely, and taking others (including ministerial positions) would necessitate a by-election in their seat.
Mandatory by-elections for Cabinet appointments continued to take place until 1919, when the requirement was abolished within nine months of an election, and the requirement was abolished entirely in 1926.
These days, since the House of Commons Disqualification Act of 1975, the disqualification rule only applies to certain offices explicitly set out in statute.
These include civil servants, judges, lords, MSs, MSPs, and metro mayors.
Two pretend (unpaid) offices of profit are kept on the books in order for MPs to be disqualified or 'resign' by being appointed to them.
Farage has just been appointed Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead.
