Manor of Northstead - Project Open Gov

A Crown office used as a formal device allowing an MP to leave the House of Commons.

Category: Devolution and constitution Parliament and elections Parliamentary procedure

Also used as: Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead, Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead, Northstead, Manor of Northstead office

Source / explainer: Read Erskine May on the Chiltern Hundreds and Manor of Northstead

Last reviewed: 21 August 2026

The Manor of Northstead is one of two nominal Crown offices commonly used to allow an MP to leave the House of Commons. Appointment to the office disqualifies the MP from sitting, which creates a vacancy. It is therefore closely linked to by-elections and the formal process for issuing a new writ.

Related terms

By-electionAn election held to fill a seat that becomes vacant between general elections.Chiltern HundredsA Crown office used as a formal device allowing an MP to leave the House of Commons.Member of ParliamentAn elected representative who sits in the House of Commons.Writ of ElectionThe formal document that authorises an election to fill a seat in the House of Commons.