The End of Whitehall?

This Palgrave Policy Essential maps and assesses key changes in the Whitehall model over the last two decades. It argues that the traditional Whitehall model is being replaced by a system of 'New Political Governance' (NPG) centred on politicised campaigning; the growth of political advisory staff relative to the permanent civil service; the personalisation of bureaucratic appointments; and the creation of a government machine that is 'promiscuously partisan'. It provides a snapshot of the institutional changes that are unfolding at a critical moment while addressing a series of long-term structural challenges from the demographic pressures of the ageing society to the impact of climate change.