Guildford MP Is Promoted In Government Reshuffle

Published on: 16 Jul, 2014
Updated on: 17 Jul, 2014

Anne Milton MP

Anne Milton, the MP for Guildford, has been promoted in the Prime Minister’s government reshuffle. Her promotion is within the government whip’s office.

She said: “I am delighted! It is always an honour to be promoted but to be given this very special role which dates back to 1501 is a particular honour. And of course it still leaves me with the time I feel I need to properly represent my constituents.”

Her new duties will include: compiling a daily private report to the Queen on proceedings in the House of Commons; attending the annual garden parties at Buckingham Palace; and being held as a ceremonial hostage at Buckingham Palace when the Queen opens parliament.

Her official title is vice-chamberlain of the household and she will be a senior government whip in the House of Commons, ranking third or fourth after the chief whip the newly appointed Michael Gove who, some commentators say, has been demoted from his job as Secretary of State for Education.

Ms Milton will also be an officer of the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom, deputy to the Lord Chamberlain of the Household.

The vice-chamberlain’s duties* as a member of the Royal Household have been largely redundant since the early 19th century. Two ceremonial exceptions remain:

• The vice-chamberlain accompanies the sovereign and royal household at certain diplomatic and social events, particularly the annual garden party at Buckingham Palace.

• When the sovereign goes in procession to Westminster for the State opening of Parliament, the vice-chamberlain stays (officially “held captive”) at Buckingham Palace. This custom began with the Restoration (1660), because of the previous vice-chamberlain’s role in the beheading of Charles I.

See also: Guildford’s MP, Anne Milton Talks About Her New Role As A Government Whip

* Source Wikipedia

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