Westminster  I RECEIVED a modest promotion in the reshuffle. I got that call that they say, as a parliamentarian, you never forget — 'the Prime Minister would like to see you at Number 10.' 'Er yes — I'll be right over.' Reshuffles are stressful times for Prime Ministers but there was nothing rushed about my chat with the boss. Would I join as a Minister in the Whips' Office? Yes, of course.  Whips are typically conjured up as a bunch of toughies that keep MPs in line. 'House of Cards' promotes the mythology — and I say mythology because while great television, the reality differs from the drama. The Whips' office is indeed responsible for discipline but just as important is its role in understanding the views of MPs and ensuring that the PM is clear on where they stand. Good MPs listen to what their constituents say and this is fed back into the heart of government, in part by the whips. Then there is the running of parliament itself — a great Heath Robinson machine — a clanking leviathan of levers, pulleys and steaming spouts that scrutinises legislation. The Whips are in the engine room — pulling at the levers (even if sometimes it is discovered they are not attached to anything), oiling cogs and greasing wheels. To put flesh on the bones, last week I contributed at the daily whips' meetings. I help ensure that the parliamentary business of the DWP and BIS departments is delivered and attended their ministerial meetings. I served on three delegated legislation committees and a European Scrutiny Committee reviewing EU industrial policy. I was on the front bench in the Commons chamber for an hour a day and was flat out on Friday managing votes. Saturday was focused on constituency work. Sunday was for my family.