Beyond the dark arts: what next for the Whips Office?
From little black books to pet tarantulas, MPs being dragged out of ambulances to vote and tantalising promises of ministerial office, the alleged \u2018dark arts\u2019 of the government Whips\u2019 Office have a fearsome reputation. But in reality a government whip is an important conduit between backbenchers and No.10, while also playing an increasingly large role in supporting the wellbeing of MPs. After the election, whips will have to help a large intake of new MPs navigate the Commons \u2013 and keep an eye out for any potential ministerial talent.\n\nFollowing the IfG\u2019s recent interviews with former government whips, this event considered how the role has evolved over recent decades. What makes an effective whip? Are whipping practices fit for the 2020s? And how should the role of a government whip change in the future?\n\nTo explore these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel, including:\n\nRt Hon Alistair Carmichael MP, former Liberal Democrat Chief Whip\nRt Hon Anne Milton, former Deputy Chief Whip\nDr Emma Peplow, Head of Oral History at the History of Parliament Trust\nChris White, Co-Head, Advocacy at SEC Newgate and former special adviser\n\nThe event was chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.