How to be a Parliamentary Researcher will tell the story of how the MP’s office has developed over recent decades, to the point at which staff now account for 78 per cent 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. It also sets out the different skill sets future staffers will require as MPs increasingly engage with constituents online.

Through research, case studies, surveys and interviews with MPs and staff (former and current), Dale demonstrates how to get ahead in an MP’s office. Throughout, practical advice is combined with acute personal observations.