What does Nicholas Watt mean that May has “enough tellers for her Brexit vote”?
up vote
23
down vote
favorite
From journalist Nicholas Watt on Twitter:
With two Tory MPs supporting Theresa May’s deal she has one breakthrough: enough tellers for her #Brexit vote
I believe this is a reference to some system in use in the House of Commons. What is Mr. Watt referring to here? That two MPs need to be in favour to have a vote at all? Two MPs to count the votes?
(I'm aware that the tweet is humorous — but I don't understand the joke)
united-kingdom parliament procedure house-of-commons
asked yesterday
gerrit
17k665157
add a comment |
up vote
23
down vote
favorite
From journalist Nicholas Watt on Twitter:
With two Tory MPs supporting Theresa May’s deal she has one breakthrough: enough tellers for her #Brexit vote
I believe this is a reference to some system in use in the House of Commons. What is Mr. Watt referring to here? That two MPs need to be in favour to have a vote at all? Two MPs to count the votes?
(I'm aware that the tweet is humorous — but I don't understand the joke)
united-kingdom parliament procedure house-of-commons
asked yesterday
gerrit
17k665157
add a comment |
up vote
23
down vote
favorite
up vote
23
down vote
favorite
From journalist Nicholas Watt on Twitter:
With two Tory MPs supporting Theresa May’s deal she has one breakthrough: enough tellers for her #Brexit vote
I believe this is a reference to some system in use in the House of Commons. What is Mr. Watt referring to here? That two MPs need to be in favour to have a vote at all? Two MPs to count the votes?
(I'm aware that the tweet is humorous — but I don't understand the joke)
united-kingdom parliament procedure house-of-commons
asked yesterday
gerrit
17k665157
From journalist Nicholas Watt on Twitter:
With two Tory MPs supporting Theresa May’s deal she has one breakthrough: enough tellers for her #Brexit vote
I believe this is a reference to some system in use in the House of Commons. What is Mr. Watt referring to here? That two MPs need to be in favour to have a vote at all? Two MPs to count the votes?
(I'm aware that the tweet is humorous — but I don't understand the joke)
united-kingdom parliament procedure house-of-commons
united-kingdom parliament procedure house-of-commons
asked yesterday
gerrit
17k665157
asked yesterday
gerrit
17k665157
edited yesterday
asked yesterday
gerrit
17k665157
asked yesterday
gerrit
17k665157
asked yesterday
gerrit
17k665157
17k665157
add a comment |
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
36
down vote
accepted
From Parliament's website.
Four tellers are required for a division to take place: two representing those voting for the motion and two representing those voting against. Two tellers - one from each side - are present in each division lobby to ensure a fair count. The result is then reported back to the occupant of the Chair, or the Woolsack, in the Chamber.
So to even have the vote the PM requires two publicly committed MPs on the Yes side.
Further definitions that may be of relevance for this answer can all be found on the same website.
Division
Divisions are used for counting those in favour or against a motion when there is a vote in the House of Commons or the House of Lords. The House literally divides, with members choosing to file through one of two lobbies on either side of the Chamber where they are counted and their names recorded.
Division Lobby
Division lobbies are the corridors that run along either side of the Chamber in both Houses. They are used to record the votes of members when there is a division. In the House of Commons the division lobbies are called the Aye Lobby and the No Lobby. In the House of Lords they are known as the Content Lobby and the Not Content Lobby.
Teller
Tellers are appointed to verify the count when there is a division in the Commons or the Lords and to report the result back to the House...
Tellers, who are often party whips, are not counted in the totals of those voting for or against a motion. They are, however, taken into account when a quorum is required for a division.
answered yesterday
Jontia
2,1601220
I'm pretty sure that a way could be found to hold a vote, even if not enough MPs were prepared to act as tellers (possibly using deputy speakers if necessary).
– Martin Bonner
22 hours ago
13
@MartinBonner I you cannot get even two MPs to support the measure then there is no reason for holding a vote, because it is evident that it has not enough support.
– SJuan76
22 hours ago
2
Could you explain further what a 'division', a 'teller', and a 'division lobby' are in this context for readers who aren't familiar with British parliamentary jargon?
– reirab
22 hours ago
1
So what is the joke then? That she has 2 tellers, who would count nobody (because nobody else would vote in her favour); or that she only needs 2 tellers because an opposing view won't be tolerated (Hence there don't need to be 4 tellers)?
– Robert Tausig
16 hours ago
5
The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
– Ben
9 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
0
down vote
When a vote is held in the House of Commons, each question is posed such that it can only be answered YES or NO. The votes are counted by persons called 'tellers' (because they "tell the members the result").
By tradition, two tellers are appointed for each side of the question: the Government party nominates 1 to count the YES votes and 1 to count the NO votes, and so does the (main) Opposition party (so 4 in all, 2 for each).
The joke here is that so few MPs are willing to support Teresa May's proposal, that she can't even find 2 MPs in the whole House (not just in her own party) willing to vote YES on it.
(Qualification: No joke is funny if it has to be explained to you.)
answered 36 mins ago
Ed999
1011
New contributor
Ed999 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
"YES or NO": in the Commons, it's Aye or No. In the Lords, it's Content or Not Content.
– Steve Melnikoff
21 mins ago
According to Wiktionary, the etymology of teller is "From Middle English tellere (“one who counts or enumerates; one who recounts or relates; teller”)". Hence while they do indeed tell everyone the result, I'd suggest the name comes from their role as the people who count the votes.
– Steve Melnikoff
19 mins ago
"the Government party nominates": yes, unless there's a coalition, in which the two tellers could be from different (Government) parties. Could just remove the word "party" here.
– Steve Melnikoff
17 mins ago
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
36
down vote
accepted
From Parliament's website.
Four tellers are required for a division to take place: two representing those voting for the motion and two representing those voting against. Two tellers - one from each side - are present in each division lobby to ensure a fair count. The result is then reported back to the occupant of the Chair, or the Woolsack, in the Chamber.
So to even have the vote the PM requires two publicly committed MPs on the Yes side.
Further definitions that may be of relevance for this answer can all be found on the same website.
Division
Divisions are used for counting those in favour or against a motion when there is a vote in the House of Commons or the House of Lords. The House literally divides, with members choosing to file through one of two lobbies on either side of the Chamber where they are counted and their names recorded.
Division Lobby
Division lobbies are the corridors that run along either side of the Chamber in both Houses. They are used to record the votes of members when there is a division. In the House of Commons the division lobbies are called the Aye Lobby and the No Lobby. In the House of Lords they are known as the Content Lobby and the Not Content Lobby.
Teller
Tellers are appointed to verify the count when there is a division in the Commons or the Lords and to report the result back to the House...
Tellers, who are often party whips, are not counted in the totals of those voting for or against a motion. They are, however, taken into account when a quorum is required for a division.
answered yesterday
Jontia
2,1601220
I'm pretty sure that a way could be found to hold a vote, even if not enough MPs were prepared to act as tellers (possibly using deputy speakers if necessary).
– Martin Bonner
22 hours ago
13
@MartinBonner I you cannot get even two MPs to support the measure then there is no reason for holding a vote, because it is evident that it has not enough support.
– SJuan76
22 hours ago
2
Could you explain further what a 'division', a 'teller', and a 'division lobby' are in this context for readers who aren't familiar with British parliamentary jargon?
– reirab
22 hours ago
1
So what is the joke then? That she has 2 tellers, who would count nobody (because nobody else would vote in her favour); or that she only needs 2 tellers because an opposing view won't be tolerated (Hence there don't need to be 4 tellers)?
– Robert Tausig
16 hours ago
5
The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
– Ben
9 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
36
down vote
accepted
From Parliament's website.
Four tellers are required for a division to take place: two representing those voting for the motion and two representing those voting against. Two tellers - one from each side - are present in each division lobby to ensure a fair count. The result is then reported back to the occupant of the Chair, or the Woolsack, in the Chamber.
So to even have the vote the PM requires two publicly committed MPs on the Yes side.
Further definitions that may be of relevance for this answer can all be found on the same website.
Division
Divisions are used for counting those in favour or against a motion when there is a vote in the House of Commons or the House of Lords. The House literally divides, with members choosing to file through one of two lobbies on either side of the Chamber where they are counted and their names recorded.
Division Lobby
Division lobbies are the corridors that run along either side of the Chamber in both Houses. They are used to record the votes of members when there is a division. In the House of Commons the division lobbies are called the Aye Lobby and the No Lobby. In the House of Lords they are known as the Content Lobby and the Not Content Lobby.
Teller
Tellers are appointed to verify the count when there is a division in the Commons or the Lords and to report the result back to the House...
Tellers, who are often party whips, are not counted in the totals of those voting for or against a motion. They are, however, taken into account when a quorum is required for a division.
answered yesterday
Jontia
2,1601220
I'm pretty sure that a way could be found to hold a vote, even if not enough MPs were prepared to act as tellers (possibly using deputy speakers if necessary).
– Martin Bonner
22 hours ago
13
@MartinBonner I you cannot get even two MPs to support the measure then there is no reason for holding a vote, because it is evident that it has not enough support.
– SJuan76
22 hours ago
2
Could you explain further what a 'division', a 'teller', and a 'division lobby' are in this context for readers who aren't familiar with British parliamentary jargon?
– reirab
22 hours ago
1
So what is the joke then? That she has 2 tellers, who would count nobody (because nobody else would vote in her favour); or that she only needs 2 tellers because an opposing view won't be tolerated (Hence there don't need to be 4 tellers)?
– Robert Tausig
16 hours ago
5
The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
– Ben
9 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
36
down vote
accepted
up vote
36
down vote
accepted
From Parliament's website.
Four tellers are required for a division to take place: two representing those voting for the motion and two representing those voting against. Two tellers - one from each side - are present in each division lobby to ensure a fair count. The result is then reported back to the occupant of the Chair, or the Woolsack, in the Chamber.
So to even have the vote the PM requires two publicly committed MPs on the Yes side.
Further definitions that may be of relevance for this answer can all be found on the same website.
Division
Divisions are used for counting those in favour or against a motion when there is a vote in the House of Commons or the House of Lords. The House literally divides, with members choosing to file through one of two lobbies on either side of the Chamber where they are counted and their names recorded.
Division Lobby
Division lobbies are the corridors that run along either side of the Chamber in both Houses. They are used to record the votes of members when there is a division. In the House of Commons the division lobbies are called the Aye Lobby and the No Lobby. In the House of Lords they are known as the Content Lobby and the Not Content Lobby.
Teller
Tellers are appointed to verify the count when there is a division in the Commons or the Lords and to report the result back to the House...
Tellers, who are often party whips, are not counted in the totals of those voting for or against a motion. They are, however, taken into account when a quorum is required for a division.
answered yesterday
Jontia
2,1601220
From Parliament's website.
Four tellers are required for a division to take place: two representing those voting for the motion and two representing those voting against. Two tellers - one from each side - are present in each division lobby to ensure a fair count. The result is then reported back to the occupant of the Chair, or the Woolsack, in the Chamber.
So to even have the vote the PM requires two publicly committed MPs on the Yes side.
Further definitions that may be of relevance for this answer can all be found on the same website.
Division
Divisions are used for counting those in favour or against a motion when there is a vote in the House of Commons or the House of Lords. The House literally divides, with members choosing to file through one of two lobbies on either side of the Chamber where they are counted and their names recorded.
Division Lobby
Division lobbies are the corridors that run along either side of the Chamber in both Houses. They are used to record the votes of members when there is a division. In the House of Commons the division lobbies are called the Aye Lobby and the No Lobby. In the House of Lords they are known as the Content Lobby and the Not Content Lobby.
Teller
Tellers are appointed to verify the count when there is a division in the Commons or the Lords and to report the result back to the House...
Tellers, who are often party whips, are not counted in the totals of those voting for or against a motion. They are, however, taken into account when a quorum is required for a division.
answered yesterday
Jontia
2,1601220
edited 22 hours ago
answered yesterday
Jontia
2,1601220
answered yesterday
Jontia
2,1601220
answered yesterday
Jontia
2,1601220
2,1601220
I'm pretty sure that a way could be found to hold a vote, even if not enough MPs were prepared to act as tellers (possibly using deputy speakers if necessary).
– Martin Bonner
22 hours ago
13
@MartinBonner I you cannot get even two MPs to support the measure then there is no reason for holding a vote, because it is evident that it has not enough support.
– SJuan76
22 hours ago
2
Could you explain further what a 'division', a 'teller', and a 'division lobby' are in this context for readers who aren't familiar with British parliamentary jargon?
– reirab
22 hours ago
1
So what is the joke then? That she has 2 tellers, who would count nobody (because nobody else would vote in her favour); or that she only needs 2 tellers because an opposing view won't be tolerated (Hence there don't need to be 4 tellers)?
– Robert Tausig
16 hours ago
5
The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
– Ben
9 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
I'm pretty sure that a way could be found to hold a vote, even if not enough MPs were prepared to act as tellers (possibly using deputy speakers if necessary).
– Martin Bonner
22 hours ago
13
@MartinBonner I you cannot get even two MPs to support the measure then there is no reason for holding a vote, because it is evident that it has not enough support.
– SJuan76
22 hours ago
2
Could you explain further what a 'division', a 'teller', and a 'division lobby' are in this context for readers who aren't familiar with British parliamentary jargon?
– reirab
22 hours ago
1
So what is the joke then? That she has 2 tellers, who would count nobody (because nobody else would vote in her favour); or that she only needs 2 tellers because an opposing view won't be tolerated (Hence there don't need to be 4 tellers)?
– Robert Tausig
16 hours ago
5
The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
– Ben
9 hours ago
I'm pretty sure that a way could be found to hold a vote, even if not enough MPs were prepared to act as tellers (possibly using deputy speakers if necessary).
– Martin Bonner
22 hours ago
I'm pretty sure that a way could be found to hold a vote, even if not enough MPs were prepared to act as tellers (possibly using deputy speakers if necessary).
– Martin Bonner
22 hours ago
13
13
@MartinBonner I you cannot get even two MPs to support the measure then there is no reason for holding a vote, because it is evident that it has not enough support.
– SJuan76
22 hours ago
@MartinBonner I you cannot get even two MPs to support the measure then there is no reason for holding a vote, because it is evident that it has not enough support.
– SJuan76
22 hours ago
2
2
Could you explain further what a 'division', a 'teller', and a 'division lobby' are in this context for readers who aren't familiar with British parliamentary jargon?
– reirab
22 hours ago
Could you explain further what a 'division', a 'teller', and a 'division lobby' are in this context for readers who aren't familiar with British parliamentary jargon?
– reirab
22 hours ago
1
1
So what is the joke then? That she has 2 tellers, who would count nobody (because nobody else would vote in her favour); or that she only needs 2 tellers because an opposing view won't be tolerated (Hence there don't need to be 4 tellers)?
– Robert Tausig
16 hours ago
So what is the joke then? That she has 2 tellers, who would count nobody (because nobody else would vote in her favour); or that she only needs 2 tellers because an opposing view won't be tolerated (Hence there don't need to be 4 tellers)?
– Robert Tausig
16 hours ago
5
5
The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
– Ben
9 hours ago
The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
– Ben
9 hours ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
0
down vote
When a vote is held in the House of Commons, each question is posed such that it can only be answered YES or NO. The votes are counted by persons called 'tellers' (because they "tell the members the result").
By tradition, two tellers are appointed for each side of the question: the Government party nominates 1 to count the YES votes and 1 to count the NO votes, and so does the (main) Opposition party (so 4 in all, 2 for each).
The joke here is that so few MPs are willing to support Teresa May's proposal, that she can't even find 2 MPs in the whole House (not just in her own party) willing to vote YES on it.
(Qualification: No joke is funny if it has to be explained to you.)
answered 36 mins ago
Ed999
1011
New contributor
Ed999 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
"YES or NO": in the Commons, it's Aye or No. In the Lords, it's Content or Not Content.
– Steve Melnikoff
21 mins ago
According to Wiktionary, the etymology of teller is "From Middle English tellere (“one who counts or enumerates; one who recounts or relates; teller”)". Hence while they do indeed tell everyone the result, I'd suggest the name comes from their role as the people who count the votes.
– Steve Melnikoff
19 mins ago
"the Government party nominates": yes, unless there's a coalition, in which the two tellers could be from different (Government) parties. Could just remove the word "party" here.
– Steve Melnikoff
17 mins ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
When a vote is held in the House of Commons, each question is posed such that it can only be answered YES or NO. The votes are counted by persons called 'tellers' (because they "tell the members the result").
By tradition, two tellers are appointed for each side of the question: the Government party nominates 1 to count the YES votes and 1 to count the NO votes, and so does the (main) Opposition party (so 4 in all, 2 for each).
The joke here is that so few MPs are willing to support Teresa May's proposal, that she can't even find 2 MPs in the whole House (not just in her own party) willing to vote YES on it.
(Qualification: No joke is funny if it has to be explained to you.)
answered 36 mins ago
Ed999
1011
New contributor
Ed999 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
"YES or NO": in the Commons, it's Aye or No. In the Lords, it's Content or Not Content.
– Steve Melnikoff
21 mins ago
According to Wiktionary, the etymology of teller is "From Middle English tellere (“one who counts or enumerates; one who recounts or relates; teller”)". Hence while they do indeed tell everyone the result, I'd suggest the name comes from their role as the people who count the votes.
– Steve Melnikoff
19 mins ago
"the Government party nominates": yes, unless there's a coalition, in which the two tellers could be from different (Government) parties. Could just remove the word "party" here.
– Steve Melnikoff
17 mins ago
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
When a vote is held in the House of Commons, each question is posed such that it can only be answered YES or NO. The votes are counted by persons called 'tellers' (because they "tell the members the result").
By tradition, two tellers are appointed for each side of the question: the Government party nominates 1 to count the YES votes and 1 to count the NO votes, and so does the (main) Opposition party (so 4 in all, 2 for each).
The joke here is that so few MPs are willing to support Teresa May's proposal, that she can't even find 2 MPs in the whole House (not just in her own party) willing to vote YES on it.
(Qualification: No joke is funny if it has to be explained to you.)
answered 36 mins ago
Ed999
1011
New contributor
Ed999 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
When a vote is held in the House of Commons, each question is posed such that it can only be answered YES or NO. The votes are counted by persons called 'tellers' (because they "tell the members the result").
By tradition, two tellers are appointed for each side of the question: the Government party nominates 1 to count the YES votes and 1 to count the NO votes, and so does the (main) Opposition party (so 4 in all, 2 for each).
The joke here is that so few MPs are willing to support Teresa May's proposal, that she can't even find 2 MPs in the whole House (not just in her own party) willing to vote YES on it.
(Qualification: No joke is funny if it has to be explained to you.)
answered 36 mins ago
Ed999
1011
New contributor
Ed999 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 25 mins ago
answered 36 mins ago
Ed999
1011
New contributor
Ed999 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 36 mins ago
Ed999
1011
answered 36 mins ago
Ed999
1011
1011
New contributor
Ed999 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Ed999 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Ed999 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
"YES or NO": in the Commons, it's Aye or No. In the Lords, it's Content or Not Content.
– Steve Melnikoff
21 mins ago
According to Wiktionary, the etymology of teller is "From Middle English tellere (“one who counts or enumerates; one who recounts or relates; teller”)". Hence while they do indeed tell everyone the result, I'd suggest the name comes from their role as the people who count the votes.
– Steve Melnikoff
19 mins ago
"the Government party nominates": yes, unless there's a coalition, in which the two tellers could be from different (Government) parties. Could just remove the word "party" here.
– Steve Melnikoff
17 mins ago
add a comment |
"YES or NO": in the Commons, it's Aye or No. In the Lords, it's Content or Not Content.
– Steve Melnikoff
21 mins ago
According to Wiktionary, the etymology of teller is "From Middle English tellere (“one who counts or enumerates; one who recounts or relates; teller”)". Hence while they do indeed tell everyone the result, I'd suggest the name comes from their role as the people who count the votes.
– Steve Melnikoff
19 mins ago
"the Government party nominates": yes, unless there's a coalition, in which the two tellers could be from different (Government) parties. Could just remove the word "party" here.
– Steve Melnikoff
17 mins ago
"YES or NO": in the Commons, it's Aye or No. In the Lords, it's Content or Not Content.
– Steve Melnikoff
21 mins ago
"YES or NO": in the Commons, it's Aye or No. In the Lords, it's Content or Not Content.
– Steve Melnikoff
21 mins ago
According to Wiktionary, the etymology of teller is "From Middle English tellere (“one who counts or enumerates; one who recounts or relates; teller”)". Hence while they do indeed tell everyone the result, I'd suggest the name comes from their role as the people who count the votes.
– Steve Melnikoff
19 mins ago
According to Wiktionary, the etymology of teller is "From Middle English tellere (“one who counts or enumerates; one who recounts or relates; teller”)". Hence while they do indeed tell everyone the result, I'd suggest the name comes from their role as the people who count the votes.
– Steve Melnikoff
19 mins ago
"the Government party nominates": yes, unless there's a coalition, in which the two tellers could be from different (Government) parties. Could just remove the word "party" here.
– Steve Melnikoff
17 mins ago
"the Government party nominates": yes, unless there's a coalition, in which the two tellers could be from different (Government) parties. Could just remove the word "party" here.
– Steve Melnikoff
17 mins ago
add a comment |
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