Political Assistant (Conservative) – Basildon Borough Council

Essex County Counci; Basildon; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Basildon Borough Council is seeking a Political Assistant to support the Conservative Group. You will provide political, policy, research, communications and administrative support to the Leader and the group, helping shape policy, monitor developments and inform decision makers.

This fixed-term, full-time role requires political awareness, strong written and verbal communication, and the ability to work discretely in a fast-paced public sector environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in political, policy, public affairs or local government environments.
• Strong understanding of UK politics and local government governance.
• Ability to prepare high‑quality briefings, speeches and communications materials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with ability to engage stakeholders.
• Experience managing digital communications and media activity.
• Discretion, professionalism and sound judgement in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide political, policy, research and administrative support to the Conservative Group Leader and the group.
• Monitor national and local political developments and identify opportunities and risks.
• Manage media and digital communications activity and develop stakeholder relationships.
• Support political group meetings and governance processes.

Skills

Political awareness

Policy research

Analytical thinking

Communications

Stakeholder engagement

Digital communications

Education

Degree-level qualifications

Tools

Social media management

Job description

Political Assistant (Conservative) - Basildon Borough Council

Basildon Borough Council

Fixed Term,Full Time

£36,323 to £40,234 per annum

Location:Basildon

Closing Date: 20th September 2026

Basildon Borough Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation journey, driven by our Corporate Plan and the belief that everyresident deserves to live in a safe, thriving, and high‑quality environment. Our focus remains firmly on strengthening communities, creating opportunities, and delivering high‑quality public services.

Basildon Council is currently preparing for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which will change how councils operate across the area in the coming years. While this transition is underway, the Council continues to deliver essential services and remains committed to recruiting talented people who can help shape the future of local government.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Basildon Borough Council as a Political Assistant to the Conservative Party Group

You will provide high-quality political, policy, research, communications and administrative support to the Leader of the Conservative Group and the wider group.

This is a unique and influential role at the heart of local government, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to policy development, strategic priorities and communications that impact residents, businesses and communities across the borough.

You will monitor national and local political developments, identify opportunities and risks, and help ensure that the Council's political leadership is well informed and effectively supported. The role also involves managing media and digital communications activity, developing stakeholder relationships, and supporting political group meetings and governance processes

About what/ who we are looking for:

We are looking for a politically astute and highly motivated individual with:

• Experience working in a political, policy, public affairs, communications or local government environment.
• A strong understanding of UK politics, local government governance and democratic decision-making.
• Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience preparing high-quality briefings, speeches, reports and communications materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage a range of stakeholders.
• Experience managing digital communications and social media activity.
• The ability to build effective working relationships and networks both internally and externally.

Degree-level qualifications or equivalent relevant experience

You will be resilient, adaptable and able to work confidently in a fast-paced political environment where discretion, professionalism and sound judgement are essential

Please note this role is politically restricted

Please see attached the Job Description and Person Specification

We look forward to receiving your application.

Please note:

Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its’ commitment, while implementing a range of policies to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation across all departments.

A basic DBS clearance is required for this role.

We are proud to be a disability confident employer. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive recruitment, encouraging applications from disabled people and we will guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We value the diversity of our community and aim to have a workforce that reflects this. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures and identities, and are particularly keen to hear from underrepresented groups.

We are proud holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and aligning with the values of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All offers of employment are subject to pre-employment checks and clearance.