Backbench Business — Valedictory Debate

Part of Elections for Positions in the House – in the House of Commons at 3:18 pm on 26 March 2015.

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Photo of David Hamilton David Hamilton Opposition Assistant Whip (Commons) 3:18, 26 March 2015

I am mindful of the time, Mr Speaker, but I think it important to remember that, while one role of the Whips is to enforce the position of the party that they represent, the second role—the role that is not seen—is the compassionate role. May I suggest a change that could be made by the two major parties? They should appoint a senior Whip to be in charge of the welfare of Members, and—with the greatest respect—that person should not be the Chief Whip, or the Deputy Chief Whip, or the pairing Whip.