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The Parapolitical Path to Parliament: Former Political Support Staff as Parliamentary Members

Author

Listed:
  • Anchrit Wille

    (Institute of Public Administration, Leiden University, The Netherlands)

  • Mark Bovens

    (Utrecht School of Governance, Utrecht University, The Netherlands)

Abstract

In Western parliamentary democracies, a growing number of MPs have worked as special advisers, political assistants, and parliamentary aides before their election as members of parliament. They have professional political expertise without being elected officials themselves. We call them parapoliticians, akin to paramedics or paralegals. This exploratory article describes this emerging pathway to the Dutch House of Representatives. The article operationalises the concept, provides theoretical and historical context, and offers insights into the prevalence of parapolitical backgrounds among members of the House of Representatives, and examines variations across political parties. In the 2021 House of Representatives, more than a quarter of MPs had previously worked as political support staff, and these MPs have prominent positions in the parliamentary factions.

Suggested Citation

  • Anchrit Wille & Mark Bovens, 2026. "The Parapolitical Path to Parliament: Former Political Support Staff as Parliamentary Members," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 14.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:poango:v14:y:2026:a:10609
    DOI: 10.17645/pag.10609
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. King, Anthony, 1981. "The Rise of the Career Politician in Britain — And its Consequences," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 11(3), pages 249-285, July.
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    3. Richard Shaw & Chris Eichbaum, 2023. "Introduction to the Handbook on Ministerial and Political Advisers," Chapters, in: Richard Shaw (ed.), Handbook on Ministerial and Political Advisers, chapter 1, pages 2-12, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    4. Benny Geys & Daniel M. Smith, 2017. "Political Dynasties in Democracies: Causes, Consequences and Remaining Puzzles," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 127(605), pages 446-454, October.
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