So apparently when the Chancellor saw Gerry Adams' resignation letter, he decided to interpret it as a request to be appointed Steward of the Manor of Northstead (even though, of course, it didn't mention that office at all). He has therefore been appointed to that office. Then Adams got annoyed at the David Cameron for telling Parliament that he had requested, and accepted, an office under the Crown, so Cameron had to apologise.

Whether or not Parliament still considers him a member, and when the writ for a by-election will be issued, I still have no idea – it depends on whether the appointment is effective when the appointee is unwilling. However, one solution which I think would work quite well (other than Adams turning up to vote and being thrown out for not having taken his oath) is for the House to pass a resolution expelling Adams for his flagrant breach of the Law and Custom of Parliament by attempting to resign without asking to be appointed Steward of the Manor of Northstead or the Chiltern Hundreds. That way, he gets what he wants but we get to pretend it's a punishment.

Oh, how I love this country...