ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the role and influence of the Downing Street Chief-of-Staff in relation to matters of political human resources (HR). The role of Chief has existed since 1997, with a range of different interpretations of the role's duties and responsibilities accompanying the various officeholders. However, two key aspects have remained a constant: the Chief's role in relation to HR and how this helps the Chief to position themselves between the Prime Minister (PM) and their staff. Using Lees-Marshment's framework for political management, especially with regards to the competencies related to political HR, the chapter seeks to better-understand the significance of the Chief's contribution to political management.
