WHIPPED INTO ACTION
Mid way through last year I was elected to the role of “Senior Whip” for the Government. It’s a title that conjures up all sorts of images, however in reality it’s a job that mixes the role of a community pastor and that of an army Seargeant Major.
I really enjoy the role, and yes the job does involve a mix between Pastoral Care and Seageant Major!. The Senior Whip is responsible for all voting from the Government side of the House. National only has 58 votes, but needs 62 to pass legislation. I need to make sure that with each Bill being voted upon that we have the support of one or more of our coalition partners. To lose a vote in the House would be highly embarrassing for the Government and the end of my role as Whip.
The Whips are responsible for all Select Committees, ensuring that there is a quorum present at all times. Additional to this the Whips decide on leave from the House. Only the Prime Minister has a free reign so that means that any MP who wants leave from Parliament while the House is sitting, even for just a few minutes, must have the Whips approval.
On the other side of the coin the role involves lots of empathy with colleagues. MP’s are no different to any other member of the community. They have births, deaths, marriages, relationship issues, employment problems, financial concerns. It is the job of the Senior Whip to be a shoulder to cry on, a partner in solving problems.
All up the Senior Whips role is a critical position in the engine room of our Government and vital to the passing of legislation through the House. It is only the second time in the history of our country that Napier has had somebody elected to this position.
I treat this as a tremendous privilege along with being your MP.
Mid way through last year I was elected to the role of “Senior Whip” for the Government. It’s a title that conjures up all sorts of images, however in reality it’s a job that mixes the role of a community pastor and that of an army Seargeant Major.
I really enjoy the role, and yes the job does involve a mix between Pastoral Care and Seageant Major!. The Senior Whip is responsible for all voting from the Government side of the House. National only has 58 votes, but needs 62 to pass legislation. I need to make sure that with each Bill being voted upon that we have the support of one or more of our coalition partners. To lose a vote in the House would be highly embarrassing for the Government and the end of my role as Whip.
The Whips are responsible for all Select Committees, ensuring that there is a quorum present at all times. Additional to this the Whips decide on leave from the House. Only the Prime Minister has a free reign so that means that any MP who wants leave from Parliament while the House is sitting, even for just a few minutes, must have the Whips approval.
On the other side of the coin the role involves lots of empathy with colleagues. MP’s are no different to any other member of the community. They have births, deaths, marriages, relationship issues, employment problems, financial concerns. It is the job of the Senior Whip to be a shoulder to cry on, a partner in solving problems.
All up the Senior Whips role is a critical position in the engine room of our Government and vital to the passing of legislation through the House. It is only the second time in the history of our country that Napier has had somebody elected to this position.
I treat this as a tremendous privilege along with being your MP.
