You know, where else but here could I even ask questions like these? No, I mean really. Anyways, could someone please explain the practice of retiring member of parliament but appointing them to the nominal office of Chiltern Hundreds. If you don't know what I am even talking about here: Chiltern Hundreds - Wikipedia A couple of questions. Why make it so complicated? If they want to resign, let them resign for goodness' sake. And why not just change the rules? You can do that easily in the UK can't you? In the US, a constitutional amendment requires a majority of the state legislatures. In the UK, a simple act of parliament can change the ("unwritten"—whatever that means) constitution. Can't it? And finally what if you finally abolish the monarchy? It's up to you, I don't care one way or another, as most would agree with me I think. But what if you did? How would they resign then?
I read that and I am scratching my head wondering WHY??? That's what I find depressing about the UK... too many old ghosts in the mix.
