Tellers
Selected letter
T
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.
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. Tellers are often party whips.
In the House of Commons, tellers 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. In the House of Lords, their votes are counted.