Government Whips in the House of Lords

Lords Whips have the same constitutional position as Departmental Ministers. Their role in the House of Lords is different from that of Whips in the Commons, which is predominantly party management.

A Lords Whip has an active role at the despatch box promoting and defending departmental policy which involves:

  • answering questions
  • responding to debates
  • taking through primary and secondary legislation

If the department concerned does not have a Departmental Minister in the House of Lords, all of that Department’s business will fall to a Whip.

House of Lords Government Whips:

Government Chief Whip and Captain of the Gentlemen at Arms
Baroness Williams of Trafford

Government Deputy Chief Whip and Captain of The King's Bodyguard of the
Yeomen of the Guard

The Earl of Courtown

Government Whips (Baronesses and Lords in Waiting)
Lord Gascoigne
Lord Evans of Rainow
Lord Harlech
Lord Roborough