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, the estate is now run by a deputy, leaving the position of Chancellor available as a Minister without Portfolio. Often the position has been given to a junior Cabinet minister with responsibilities in a particular area of policy for which there is no portfolioed department.
1 Chancellors of the Duchy of Lancaster, 1361-1803