 | 'When Mr Canavan triggered the process, party managers prepared to move the writ for a by-election on December 14, but were persuaded that a longer campaign would give them a better chance of winning.' Catherine MacLeod in the Herald, 23 rd November 2000 |  |
Labour has not taken a final decision, but is lining up December 21 as the likely date for what could be an embarrassing poll.
When Mr Canavan triggered the process, party managers prepared to move the writ for a by-election on December 14, but were persuaded that a longer campaign would give them a better chance of winning.
Technically, an MP cannot resign but, under arcane Westminster procedure, "can apply for a nominal office of profit under the Crown, acceptance of which acts as a disqualification".
Under by-election rules "the two offices traditionally used for this purpose are that of steward or bailiff of Her Majesty's Three Chiltern Hundreds of Stoke, Desborough and Burnham, and that of Steward of the Manor of Northstead. No duties are involved and no pay received. An application to hold one of these offices is always granted."
The chief whip will set the date for the by-election after taking advice from her party, and if the final decision is December 21, she will move the writ in the Commons next Tuesday or Wednesday.
-Nov 23rd
Return to home page