What is a whip?

A whip is an MP or peer whose job is to make sure their party's members vote the way the party wants. The word also means the weekly instructions MPs receive about votes. A three-line whip means attendance and voting with the party is essential. Rebels can lose the whip.

Each main party has a Chief Whip and a team of whips. Government whips are often paid as ministers. They count likely votes, persuade waverers and report back on the mood of backbenchers. Every week MPs receive a document, also called the whip, listing votes underlined once, twice or three times. A one-line whip is guidance. A two-line whip means MPs should attend. A three-line whip is a strict instruction. An MP who defies the party on an important vote can have the whip removed. They then sit as an independent until it is restored. On issues of conscience, such as assisted dying, parties often allow a free vote with no whip. The Chief Whip also advises the Prime Minister on appointments and the mood of the party.