Chief of Staff

Spanning more than three decades, this timely book reveals the pivotal role played by prime ministerial chiefs of staff in shaping modern Westminster democracies. Heath Pickering’s comparative analysis sheds light on how these unelected advisers have evolved in purpose, influence and function.

Challenging conventional assumptions, Pickering argues that chiefs of staff should be explored through the lens of political craft, illustrating how the rise of politically skilled advisers has strengthened the capacity of executive leadership. He demonstrates the ways in which their growing influence reflects the continued professionalisation of political advisory roles, and the development of an entourage which is better equipped to support leaders. Focusing on the core Westminster democracies of Australia, Britain, Canada and New Zealand, the book outlines how political executives can effectively use their chiefs of staff to improve governance, providing practical recommendations to strengthen the political advisory cohort.

Chief of Staff is a vital resource for scholars and students in the fields of political leadership, public administration and management, regulation and governance and public policy. Detailed and comprehensive, it will also greatly benefit policymakers and practitioners in government, particularly political advisers and senior public servants.