Chief Whip: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The Chief Whip is a political office in some legislatures assigned to an elected member whose task is to administer the whipping system that ensures that members of the party attend and vote as the party leadership desires.

In British politics, the Chief Whip is usually appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury so the incumbent (representing the whips in general) has a seat and a voice in Cabinet.

As shown in Yes, Minister, the Chief Whip can wield a large amount of power over those in his or her party, up to and including Cabinet Ministers, being seen to speak at all times with the voice of the Prime Minister. Margaret Thatcher was famed for using her Chief Whip as a 'cabinet enforcer'.

In the UK parliament as of 2004, Hilary Armstrong is the Government Chief Whip in the House of Commons, and David Maclean is the Opposition Chief Whip.

There are also Chief Whips in:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada