Vexed Bermoothes

Both of Bermuda’s parties were under a “three line whip” for the vote of no confidence concerning Dr. Brown’s controversial leadership.

What’s that mean?

Under the Westminster tradition, each party has a “whip” responsible for coordinating the votes of its members.  This is traditionally reflected in a memo sent to MPs (called The Whip) where issues for vote are underlined one, two, or three times.

• A Single Line Whip is a guide to the party’s policy on the issue but has no requirement for attendance or voting recommendation.
• A Two Line Whip is an instruction to attend and vote in a particular way, but without sanction.
• A Three Line Whip is a strict instruction to attend and vote in a particular way.  Breach of a three-line whip may lead to suspension from the parliamentary political group and even expulsion from the party.