More than slightly
Stuff reports:
National has elected second-term MP Chris Penk to the senior whip role, while keeping Maureen Pugh in the junior whip role.
Whips essentially act as party disciplinarians in Parliament, making sure MPs are in the House to speak and vote when needed and allocating leave.
National’s former senior whip was Matt Doocey, who rose considerably up the ranks into the front-bench in new leader Christopher Luxon’s reshuffle. Whips do not typically serve on the front bench.
Luxon said the pair were elected unopposed.
Good to see Chris Penk that on this very important role, supported by Maureen. I am sure he will do a great job.
Whips get paid slightly more than other Opposition MPs.
More than slightly more. The salaries are a backbench MP and whips are:
- Backbench MP $163,961
- Junior Whips $179,713
- ACT and Green Whips $185,433
- National Senior Whip $213,252
- Govt Senior Whip $222,460
So Chris Penk has just had a “slight” $50,000 pay rise 🙂