What does Nicholas Watt mean that May has “enough tellers for her Brexit vote”?











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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)










share|improve this question




























    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)










    share|improve this question


























      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)










      share|improve this question















      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






      share|improve this question















      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited yesterday

























      asked yesterday









      gerrit

      17k665157




      17k665157






















          2 Answers
          2






          active

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          up vote
          39
          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.







          share|improve this answer























          • 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
            yesterday






          • 14




            @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
            23 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
            23 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
            17 hours ago






          • 5




            The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
            – Ben
            11 hours ago


















          up vote
          2
          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.)






          share|improve this answer










          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
            1 hour 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
            1 hour 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
            1 hour ago










          • Hi Steve. The persons who enquired here for advice needed it spelled out in simple terms, which I'm sure you'll agree is best. I do not quibble with your quibbling, but you are only clouding the issue. :-)
            – Ed999
            1 hour ago










          • I certainly agree that we don't want to overcomplicate our answers. However, I also feel that it's important to be factually correct as well. In this instance, IMHO, removing the word "party", and dropping the description of the etymology of teller which may be incorrect, would both simplify the answer and remove possible inaccuracies. But I don't feel strongly enough to edit the answer directly, nor to downvote it!
            – Steve Melnikoff
            41 mins ago











          Your Answer








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          2 Answers
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          2 Answers
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          up vote
          39
          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.







          share|improve this answer























          • 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
            yesterday






          • 14




            @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
            23 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
            23 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
            17 hours ago






          • 5




            The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
            – Ben
            11 hours ago















          up vote
          39
          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.







          share|improve this answer























          • 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
            yesterday






          • 14




            @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
            23 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
            23 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
            17 hours ago






          • 5




            The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
            – Ben
            11 hours ago













          up vote
          39
          down vote



          accepted







          up vote
          39
          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.







          share|improve this answer














          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.








          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited 23 hours ago

























          answered yesterday









          Jontia

          2,1901220




          2,1901220












          • 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
            yesterday






          • 14




            @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
            23 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
            23 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
            17 hours ago






          • 5




            The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
            – Ben
            11 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
            yesterday






          • 14




            @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
            23 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
            23 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
            17 hours ago






          • 5




            The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
            – Ben
            11 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
          yesterday




          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
          yesterday




          14




          14




          @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
          23 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
          23 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
          23 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
          23 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
          17 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
          17 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
          11 hours ago




          The joke is that it's a surprise she's managed to find two people, who will count nobody @Robert.
          – Ben
          11 hours ago










          up vote
          2
          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.)






          share|improve this answer










          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
            1 hour 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
            1 hour 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
            1 hour ago










          • Hi Steve. The persons who enquired here for advice needed it spelled out in simple terms, which I'm sure you'll agree is best. I do not quibble with your quibbling, but you are only clouding the issue. :-)
            – Ed999
            1 hour ago










          • I certainly agree that we don't want to overcomplicate our answers. However, I also feel that it's important to be factually correct as well. In this instance, IMHO, removing the word "party", and dropping the description of the etymology of teller which may be incorrect, would both simplify the answer and remove possible inaccuracies. But I don't feel strongly enough to edit the answer directly, nor to downvote it!
            – Steve Melnikoff
            41 mins ago















          up vote
          2
          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.)






          share|improve this answer










          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
            1 hour 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
            1 hour 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
            1 hour ago










          • Hi Steve. The persons who enquired here for advice needed it spelled out in simple terms, which I'm sure you'll agree is best. I do not quibble with your quibbling, but you are only clouding the issue. :-)
            – Ed999
            1 hour ago










          • I certainly agree that we don't want to overcomplicate our answers. However, I also feel that it's important to be factually correct as well. In this instance, IMHO, removing the word "party", and dropping the description of the etymology of teller which may be incorrect, would both simplify the answer and remove possible inaccuracies. But I don't feel strongly enough to edit the answer directly, nor to downvote it!
            – Steve Melnikoff
            41 mins ago













          up vote
          2
          down vote










          up vote
          2
          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.)






          share|improve this answer










          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.)







          share|improve this answer










          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.









          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited 1 hour ago





















          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 1 hour ago









          Ed999

          1212




          1212




          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
            1 hour 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
            1 hour 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
            1 hour ago










          • Hi Steve. The persons who enquired here for advice needed it spelled out in simple terms, which I'm sure you'll agree is best. I do not quibble with your quibbling, but you are only clouding the issue. :-)
            – Ed999
            1 hour ago










          • I certainly agree that we don't want to overcomplicate our answers. However, I also feel that it's important to be factually correct as well. In this instance, IMHO, removing the word "party", and dropping the description of the etymology of teller which may be incorrect, would both simplify the answer and remove possible inaccuracies. But I don't feel strongly enough to edit the answer directly, nor to downvote it!
            – Steve Melnikoff
            41 mins ago


















          • "YES or NO": in the Commons, it's Aye or No. In the Lords, it's Content or Not Content.
            – Steve Melnikoff
            1 hour 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
            1 hour 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
            1 hour ago










          • Hi Steve. The persons who enquired here for advice needed it spelled out in simple terms, which I'm sure you'll agree is best. I do not quibble with your quibbling, but you are only clouding the issue. :-)
            – Ed999
            1 hour ago










          • I certainly agree that we don't want to overcomplicate our answers. However, I also feel that it's important to be factually correct as well. In this instance, IMHO, removing the word "party", and dropping the description of the etymology of teller which may be incorrect, would both simplify the answer and remove possible inaccuracies. But I don't feel strongly enough to edit the answer directly, nor to downvote it!
            – Steve Melnikoff
            41 mins ago
















          "YES or NO": in the Commons, it's Aye or No. In the Lords, it's Content or Not Content.
          – Steve Melnikoff
          1 hour ago




          "YES or NO": in the Commons, it's Aye or No. In the Lords, it's Content or Not Content.
          – Steve Melnikoff
          1 hour 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
          1 hour 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
          1 hour 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
          1 hour 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
          1 hour ago












          Hi Steve. The persons who enquired here for advice needed it spelled out in simple terms, which I'm sure you'll agree is best. I do not quibble with your quibbling, but you are only clouding the issue. :-)
          – Ed999
          1 hour ago




          Hi Steve. The persons who enquired here for advice needed it spelled out in simple terms, which I'm sure you'll agree is best. I do not quibble with your quibbling, but you are only clouding the issue. :-)
          – Ed999
          1 hour ago












          I certainly agree that we don't want to overcomplicate our answers. However, I also feel that it's important to be factually correct as well. In this instance, IMHO, removing the word "party", and dropping the description of the etymology of teller which may be incorrect, would both simplify the answer and remove possible inaccuracies. But I don't feel strongly enough to edit the answer directly, nor to downvote it!
          – Steve Melnikoff
          41 mins ago




          I certainly agree that we don't want to overcomplicate our answers. However, I also feel that it's important to be factually correct as well. In this instance, IMHO, removing the word "party", and dropping the description of the etymology of teller which may be incorrect, would both simplify the answer and remove possible inaccuracies. But I don't feel strongly enough to edit the answer directly, nor to downvote it!
          – Steve Melnikoff
          41 mins ago


















           

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