The Whip System

The term 'Whip' derives from the 'whipper-in' at a fox hunt; a name given to the rider at the rear of the hounds who cracks the whip in order to keep any straying dogs in line. A parliamentary whip is responsible for ensuring that members of their party attend and vote as the party leadership wishes. They have a particularly important role when the voting strengths of the main parties are close.

In the House of Commons, the major party Whips consist of the Chief Whip, the Deputy Chief Whip and a varying number of junior Whips. The smaller opposition parties also normally have a Whip. The Chief Whips together constitute the 'usual channels', often referred to when the question of finding time for debating a particular issue is discussed.

Duties

The main duties of Whips include:

• Informing the party leadership of the opinions of backbench members.
• Keeping MPs and peers informed of impending parliamentary business.
• Preserving the party's voting strength by making sure that members attend important debates and support their party in parliamentary divisions.

The whips act as communicators between the backbenchers and the party leadership, and if backbenchers are unhappy with the leadership, they may relay this through the Whip. This threat of revolt may force the leadership to compromise.

Titles

The Government Chief Whip has the formal title of 'Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury', which allows them a seat in the Cabinet. They are directly answerable to the Prime Minister, and are responsible for making the day-to-day arrangements for the Government's business programme.

The other senior government Whips are also given offices in the Government, such as :'Treasurer of HM Household' (for the Deputy Chief Whip), 'Comptroller of HM Household', 'Vice-Chamberlain of HM Household', and 'Lords Commissioners of the Treasury'.

Government Whips in the House of Lords also hold offices in the Royal Household. The Government Chief Whip will usually be appointed as 'Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms', whilst the Deputy Chief Whip will become 'Captain of the Queen's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard'. Other Whips are appointed 'Lords in Waiting' or 'Baronesses in Waiting'.

Weekly Circulars

The term 'whip' also relates to the weekly circular sent out by each Chief Whip to all their MPs or peers informing them of parliamentary business. The importance of a vote is indicated by the number of times that the debate or division is underlined:

• Items underlined once (a one-line whip) are considered routine and attendance is optional.
• Items underlined twice (a two-line whip) are more important and attendance is required. However 'pairing' (where a member of one party may choose not to vote because a member of the opposition will also be absent) is permitted. (There is no pairing system in the Lords).
• Items underlined three times (a three-line whip) are highly important; MPs must attend and vote with their party, and pairing is not normally allowed. This will usually be for second readings of significant Bills and motions of no confidence. Failure to attend the vote is seen as a rebellion against the party, and may result in disciplinary action, such as 'withdrawal of the whip', which is a form of expulsion from the party.