Whip System

Each political party in parliament appoints a team of MPs or peers as whips. They are appointed to maintain party discipline, and to encourage members of their party to vote in the way that their party would like in important divisions. They are also responsible for ensuring the smooth running of parliamentary business. (See Usual Channels).

The two major parties usually have about 14 whips in the House of Commons, whilst the smaller parties may only have two or three. The Government Chief Whip is given the title ' Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury' and has a seat in the Cabinet.

Whips also manage the pairing system and often act as tellers during divisions.

See also Chief Whip.