Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

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The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is, in modern times, a sinecure office in the British government. Originally the chief officer of the Duchy of Lancaster, that estate is now run by a deputy, leaving the position of Chancellor to serve in effect as an alternative Minister without Portfolio. The position has often been given to a junior Cabinet minister with responsibilities in a particular area of policy for which there is no portfolioed department.

Most recently, ownership of the title has been combined with serving as one of the Ministers for the Cabinet Office. This is true of Alan Milburn, who was given the title by Tony Blair in 2004 and at the same time rejoined the Cabinet. Some have suggested that this was a means to allow Alan Milburn to be a member of the Cabinet but without a demanding government job, so that he could be at the heart of government but able to devote much of his time to the Labour Party's campaign for re-election in the 2005 general election.

The post is currently vacant after John Hutton was promoted to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on November 2, 2005 following the second resignation of David Blunkett from the Cabinet. This is the longest period that the post has been left unfilled since at least 1687. The 1865 record of 84 days was equalled on January 25, 2006 and has now been surpassed. It has been repeatedly suggested that Salford MP Hazel Blears is to take the post in a forthcoming minor reshuffle, but the announcement has been deferred. The most recent official comment was on 8 February 2006 which stated, "the Prime Minister would decide on any reshuffle at the appropriate time."

Since 1491 there has been a Vice Chancellor. He is now the Chancery Division Judge in the north-west, and no longer appointed to that position as legal officer of the Duchy.


Contents

Chancellors of the Duchy of Lancaster, 1361-1803

1803-1902

1902 to 1945

1945 to 1951

1951-1964

1964-1970

1970-1974

1974-1979

1979-1997

1997 to date

See also