The Chief Whip in the British Parliament

Extract

The post of Chief Whip is characteristically English. It is an undefined offshoot of the constitution. It is not mentioned in Sir Erskine May's “Parliamentary Practice.” It has a sporting origin—“whipper-in of foxhounds.”

Formerly, when a division was taken in the House of Commons, members on one side remained and were counted in the House. The other side went into the lobby and were counted on their return into the House. But in 1836 the present system was adopted. Members divide into Aye and No lobbies and are counted by tellers. These tellers were, and are, appointed by the Speaker, from men identified with each side of the question at issue.

Obviously, the Government of the day was primarily concerned in the result of divisions on critical or important occasions. Before going to a division it was essential to know as accurately as possible what was the general sense of their supporters. The flock had to be herded in the fullest strength possible.