Whips pride themselves on their secrecy and discretion. Reporter Michael Cockerell uncovers their shadowy world and reveals how they operate. How close to reality is the fictional Chief Whip Francis Urquhart, in the drama series House of Cards? Government Whips can make or break ministers and ensure they know all the secrets of the private lives of their fellow MPs. One Tory MP claims that the Whips are a gestapo, but another says they are democracy's unsung heroes - as necessary for Parliament as sewers are for civilisation.
Stephen James Dorrell is a former British politician. He served as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Loughborough between 1979 and 1997 and then for Charnwood from 1997 to 2015. Dorrell most recently served for four years as Chairman of the House of Commons Health Select Committee from 2010 to 2014.
By browsing this website, you accept our cookies policy.