ABSTRACT
The constitutional systems of Westminster jurisdictions are set up envisioning a dualistic relationship between Ministers and civil servants. Political advisors have gradually crept on to the scene over the years and are a relatively new player within the executive. This chapter traces the rise of political advisors in the liberal democratic Westminster jurisdictions from their genesis to the current period. It examines the changes in the numbers and roles of these advisors over time. As their numbers have increased and they have taken on increasingly extensive and diverse roles, political advisors have gradually become institutionalised and entrenched in the governmental system and are now an indispensable part of the executive.
