How to be a Parliamentary Researcher

To some, 'staffers' are the unsung heroes of the British Parliamentary system. In Westminster and back in the constituencies, they do the dirty work, allowing the MP to focus on his or her main job - performing. To others, there is a growing sense that staffers use their roles as the first rung on the ladder to becoming Members of Parliament themselves. Indeed, around 30% of the current Cabinet previously worked for an MP. This book tells the story of how the MP's office has developed over recent decades, to the point at which staff now account for 78% of the overall members' expenses budget, not to mention the army of unofficial and unpaid interns. It explains what staffers do, how they operate and to whom they are accountable, as well as why there has been an enormous increase in their numbers.