Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

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.

Related Topics:
Sinecure - Duchy of Lancaster - Minister without Portfolio

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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.

Related Topics:
Cabinet Office - Alan Milburn - Tony Blair - Cabinet - Labour Party - 2005 general election

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As of 2005 the post is held by John Hutton.

Related Topics:
As of 2005 - John Hutton

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