Role of Whips Flashcards
What are whips
Whips are MPs appointed by each party in parliament to help organise their partys contribution to parliamentary business.
One of their responsibilities is to make sure the maximum number of their party members vote, and vote the way their party wants.
Lives beside pm in 9 Downing Street
Mark spencer
What are the roles/functions of Whips (1)
They have a Liason role,
as they act as a liason (linking, communication channel) between Mps and the Prime minister.
There are many JUNIOR whips that report back to the CHIEF whip (mark spencer).
If several MPs report back to the Whips about grievances with their constituency, Itll be reported to the PM through the Chief Whip
What are the roles/functions of Whips (2)
They have a discipline role,
Whips inform MPs when to vote and will issue either a one line, two line or three line whip
One line whip Meaning, Mps will be asked to turn up and vote. This may be on Legislation in NI where there will be little opposition or debate as theres only 18 NI Mps they wouldnt be able to sway a vote
Two line whip meaning, Mps are asked to turn up and vote unless they’ve a specific reason not to EG: A pairing agreement (Mp might be on parliamentary trip of committee work)
Three line Whip meaning, They are instructed on how to vote and failure to do so may results in disciplinary action. EG: Remove the Mp.
