PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has been sentenced to an annual half-day’s detention in Buckingham Palace.
Mr Stephenson has been promoted within the Government Whips office to the post of Vice Chamberlain of Her Majesty’s Household, which means he has to write a daily report to the Queen on events at Westminster.
It also involves him being ‘held hostage’ at the main Royal residence in London while the monarch attends the State Opening of Parliament each year as security for her safe return.
As well as its Royal duties, the postholder remains a normal ‘whip’ seeking to ensure Tory MPs vote, but brings with it a special ‘wand of office’ - a long stick resembling a snooker cue.
Mr Stephenson said: “I will relish the opportunity of this new role within the whips’ office, but I must admit having to write daily messages to the Queen is a little daunting.”
The ‘held captive in the Palace’ custom began with the Restoration of the Monarchy in the 17th century.
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