Local Democracy Reporter

Newsquest Media Group; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Birthday off

Pension plan

Employee helpline counseling

Perks & discounts

Team building days

Job summary

Newsquest Media Group is seeking a Local Democracy Reporter for County Durham and Darlington. You will cover council decisions, budgets and local government stories with a focus on impact to residents.

The role involves live updates, video from meetings and exclusive explainers, contributing to a wider regional news effort. Applicants should be NCTJ qualified, with shorthand, strong contacts and the ability to drive.

Qualifications

• NCTJ qualified, with shorthand.
• Must be able to drive.
• Strong contacts and the confidence to challenge those in power.

Responsibilities

• Dig into decisions on budgets, planning, transport, housing and social care and turn complex policy into human-focused stories.
• Shine a light on how taxpayer money is spent and what it means for residents' day-to-day lives.
• Live updates and video from council meetings, with in-depth explainers and exclusives.
• Work as part of the BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporting Service and The Northern Echo newsroom.
• Help set the agenda on local government coverage across County Durham and Darlington.

Skills

Journalism

Reporter

Live updates

Video reporting

Explainers

Education

NCTJ qualification

Tools

Video editing

Job description

Description

Join one of the UK's biggest regional news brands as our Local Democracy Reporter for County Durham and Darlington - at one of the most exciting moments in local politics.

Application Deadline: 1 September 2026

Department: Editorial

Location: Darlington

Description

Join one of the UK's biggest regional news brands as our Local Democracy Reporter for County Durham and Darlington - at one of the most exciting moments in local politics.

The Northern Echo is looking for an exceptional senior journalist who can live and breathe the political landscape across County Durham and can spot the real story lurking behind every council agenda and committee report, not just who said what in the council chamber, but what it means on the streets of Durham, Darlington, and the communities in between.

Key Responsibilities

This is a patch at the heart of the national conversation: the North East's evolving devolution settlements, a shifting local government political map, and the Darlington Economic Campus - firmly branded "Number 11 North" - putting Treasury decision-making, civil service jobs and economic policy on our doorstep.

You’ll dig into decisions on budgets, planning, transport, housing and social care, and turn complex policy into sharp, human-focused stories that matter to local people. You’ll shine a light on how taxpayer money is spent, who really benefits, and what it means for residents' day-to-day lives.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

This is a role for a proven reporter with strong contacts, sharp instincts and the confidence to challenge those in power.

You’ll be as comfortable with live updates and video from a heated council meeting and filing for online within minutes as you are crafting in‑depth explainers and exclusives.

Working as part of the BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporting Service and The Northern Echo's newsroom, you’ll help set the agenda on local government coverage across County Durham and Darlington, providing original, impartial journalism that informs, engages and stands up for our communities.

You will be NCTJ qualified, with shorthand and must be able to drive. If you think you have what it takes, get in touch.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
• Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
• Structured career progression & ongoing training
• Pension plan
• Employee Helpline counselling and advice
• Perks & discounts including:
  • Gym membership
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Eye care
  • Retail discounts
• Team building days & annual volunteer charity day