Tory party conference latest: Whips lift the lid on life in Westminster

Ready to coerce, cajole, and bully rebel MPs into supporting the ruling party at all costs.

And some say they wield the power over whether political careers thrive...or die!

I'm talking about the Government Whips.

Their roles are usually little-known and shrouded in secrecy.

But the American adaptation of the hit political drama House of Cards, featuring Kevin Spacey as the conniving Frank Underwood, has undoubtedly increased the prominence of the whips operation in the public consciousness.

In reality they play a crucial function in getting the Government's business through the House of Commons as a go-between for ministers and backbenchers.

Following the rise of Theresa May as Prime Minister, Staffordshire and the Black Country finds itself uniquely placed inside the whips' office.

Not only is the wily and affable Conservative South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson at the top of the tree as Chief Whip – he is accompanied by the Coseley-born Burton MP Andrew Griffiths and the Walsall-born Tamworth MP Chris Pincher.

But don't call them the 'Staffordshire Mafia'.

"The mafia occasionally showed mercy," joked Mr Pincher.

Mr Williamson, who keeps a fearsome pet tarantula in his office, is the one Cabinet member guaranteed to see the Prime Minster every day when she is in Downing Street.

The job carries with it the Government's darkest secrets, which usually means a ban on media interviews.

Oops.

"Being Chief Whip is like running a factory," he says.

"You are there to deliver stuff whether it is legislation or otherwise."

It's an apt metaphor for the 41-year-old who used to run a pottery business.

"People think it is about bullying and cajoling backbenchers – but that's only half of the job," he says with a smile.

"The relationship is two-way. We are there to get MPs to support the Government, but the other half of the job is making representations to ministers to change or reconsider their plans based on the concerns of the party's MPs."

After June's election the Conservatives were left with no overall majority. A confidence and supply deal, negotiated between Mr Williamson and Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, gives the Government a slender working majority of around 13.

It is the hardest the Government whips have had it since minority Labour control in the 1970s.

Earlier this month, Mr Williamson's team successfully guided the EU Withdrawal Bill, which Labour opposed, through the Commons by a whisker.

"Before the election someone said to me it is much more difficult to whip a party if you have a large majority," said Mr Williamson.

"This is an experience I really would like to have."

Mr Griffiths, 46, went to High Arcal School in Sedgley and is the son of former Dudley Mayor Bob Griffiths.

He served as Mrs May's chief of staff when the Conservatives were in opposition and was best man to Dudley South MP Mike Wood.

"It is fascinating to be at the centre of not just the Conservative Party but British politics," he said.

But he explains there is an unglamorous side of being a whip.

"When there is a vote I often find myself touring the bars, checking the corridors, and even the toilets to make sure no-one has got distracted."

Proving the Tories are hardly flush for votes.

Mr Pincher, 48, grew up in Wombourne and went to Ounsdale High School. Like his fellow Staffordshire whips, he entered the Commons in 2010.

"There's never a dull moment," he said.

"It is a challenge. The Opposition only need to get lucky once, so we have to be on top of the situation at all times.

"It is quite exhilarating. For anyone who is interested in politics or works in the political world it is absorbing."

Comparisons with the nefarious Frank Underwood and his original British alter ego Francis Urquhart have been laboured in the media.

But are they fair?

"It would be much more fun if it was," said Mr Pincher.

"It is part-time policeman and part-time district nurse. Not only are you trying to get your colleagues to support the Government but you are also looking after them and helping them."

Mr Griffiths adds: "Gone are the days of ugly bully boy tactics. These days the whips' office is warm, cuddly, happy and contented."

Mr Williamson describes the job as a 'privilege' and considers it the 'best anyone could wish for' in the current political landscape.

"The idea that we push colleagues up against the walls and threaten them is ridiculous," he says.

I think I'm sure he is no longer joking.

Asked about the contents of the fabled 'little blue book' of Tory MPs' misdeeds, he says: "All Conservative MPs are angels so there is nothing in it."

Before adding: "Isn't it good in politics to have some mystique?"

Next week sees the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.

Speculation over a leadership challenge and Theresa May's future are rife.

So what is Gavin's secret for keeping potential mutinous Tory MPs on board?

Have there been backroom deals or blood spilt on the carpet?

"It has been achieved with charm, persuasive argument, and by having a sympathetic ear," he says.

You may think that, I couldn't possibly comment.