Political Assistant

Staffordshire County Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking a Political Assistant to support elected Members, particularly the Group Leader. The role includes researching policy issues, advising on political matters, and liaising with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate should possess exceptional communication and political awareness skills, and relevant experience in a political or public affairs environment. This position requires an on-site presence three days a week.

Benefits

Supportive work environment

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a political, public affairs, or communications environment.
• Ability to operate in a busy, complex, and politically sensitive environment.
• Demonstrable experience working with local authority Members and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Research policy issues and prepare briefing notes.
• Advise on political matters and current affairs.
• Liaise with Council officers, the media, and external organisations.

Skills

Communication skills

Political awareness

Interpersonal skills

Proficiency in IT

Education

Educated to level 3 (A levels)

Job description

Overview

Staffordshire County Council is seeking a dedicated and politically astute individual to serve as Political Assistant to the Reform UK Group. This is a unique opportunity to support elected Members in a dynamic and high-profile political environment.

About the Role

You will work directly with the Reform UK Group on the Council, supporting Members in their duties and particularly the Leader of the Group. Your responsibilities will include:

• Researching policy issues and preparing briefing notes
• Advising on political matters and current affairs
• Attending meetings and conferences in Staffordshire and beyond
• Liaising with Council officers, the media, and external organisations
• You will be required to work from the office three days a week

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking to recruit a highly motivated individual with exceptional communication skills and political awareness. The ideal candidate will have:

• Educated to level 3 e.g. A levels or experience in political research or public affairs
• Proven experience in a political, public affairs, or communications environment
• Demonstrable experience working with local authority Members, senior officers, and stakeholders
• The ability to operate in a busy, complex, and politically sensitive environment
• A strong understanding of the roles and responsibilities of elected Members and the political context in which they work
• Effective written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability in engaging with Members, senior officers, and external stakeholders
• Proficiency in IT and digital tools
• You must not be an officer of any political party or organisation
• This post is politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989

Interviews

Interviews will be held during the week starting 3 November 2025. As this is a Special Committee appointment, there will be a second stage interview, which will likely take place towards the end of November.

How to Apply

Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications, so consider applying anyway. For an informal chat about the role please contact Chris Ebberley, Head of Member and Democratic Services at: [e-mail]

Recruitment Process

We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

• Our Values: The core of who we are as an organisation. Personal values shape our thoughts and behaviour; organisational values drive how we think and act collectively. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and sit at the heart of People Strategy. We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future. We look forward and race ahead – that goes for your career too.
• Benefits: We recognise that our employees are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and a healthy work-life balance.