A political commentator says it's concerning the Prime Minister's chief of staff could walk back into a lobbying role the day after leaving the top office.

Chris Hipkins told Morning Report his top staff member had a 24-hour stand-down period before taking up the role, having previously worked for a trans-Tasman government relations company.

The Prime Minister says there is no restraint of trade clause on the Chief of Staff Role.  Associate Professor at Auckland University Dr Jennifer Lees-Marshment told Charlotte Cook she thinks there should be.