Introduction

The Chief Whip:

(a) must, after consultation with the other Whips, arrange the business of the Legislature on the Order Paper, subject to the Standing Rules and the directives of the Management Committee on Programming and, after consultation with the Leader of Government Business, when any government business is prioritized;

(b) is responsible for political consultation and liaison among the parties in the Legislature;

(c) must ensure the effective development and implementation of the legislative programme;

(d) is responsible for liaison with the Executive Council, through the Leader of Government Business;

(e) must arrange the number and order of Members who wish to speak in debate and, in consultation with other Whips, arrange for the approximate duration of each debate and divide the total time available among the respective parties: Provided that all parties represented in the Legislature have an opportunity to participate in proceedings in a manner consistent with democracy;

(f) is responsible for the overall co-ordination of all Whippery activities;

(g) must establish and maintain good working relations with the Whips of other parties on the basis of mutual trust; and

(h) must, in consultation with the Speaker and after consultation with the other Whips, allocate seating places to Members in the Chamber.