Michael McManus was responsible for researching, drafting and editing Sir Edward Heath's memoirs, The Course of My Life (1998). He is also the author of several books of his own, including two biographies: of the former Liberal leader Jo Grimond, Towards the Sound of Gunfire (2001); and of the actor Nicholas Courtney, Still Getting Away With It (2005). He has extensive political experience, having worked for three Conservative Prime Ministers; as a special adviser in three government departments; and as a political and strategy consultant. He ran the Press Complaints Commission 2012–14.