How much control does the government have over their backbench MPs?

The government’s controversial plans to cut winter fuel payments for all but the poorest of pensioners was today (September 2024) accepted by the House of Commons. Just 1 of Labour’s 411 MPs voted against the measure, whilst 52 abstained.

The considerable number of Labour MPs who voted in favour of the cut, despite their own objections, help to demonstrate the influence of the whip. The Labour MP Rachael Maskell was one of those who abstained. When asked why she had chosen to abstain rather than to vote against the bill, she explained that she did not want to lose the whip.

She was right to be concerned. Back in July 2024, 7 Labour MPs lost the whip when they voted against the government’s decision to keep the two-child benefits cap. A loss of the whip can mean that MPs are effectively expelled from the party, losing the support and financial backing that comes with being a member. A MP sitting as an independent is far less likely to retain their seat at a future election. As such MPs must think very carefully before voting against the whip.

Moreover, very few of the new cohort of Labour MPs were amongst those who abstained. New MPs are particularly vulnerable to the influence of the whip. New MPs are reliant on the guidance of the whips to navigate parliament and how it works. Moreover, like students starting school, they are keen to make a good impression. If they rebel at their start of their careers as MPs than they are likely to kiss goodbye to any future promotion.

The whips are a powerful force within the House of Commons and backbench MPs, despite a growing level of independence, will always find that they have a limited voice against the will of the government.