Political Assistant (Reform UK)


Company:	Sunderland City Council
Salary:	£30,001 to £40,000 a year
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	Sunderland, SR1 3AA
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	21 Sept 2026
Closing date:	2 Oct 2026

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Summary

Politically Restricted Post

Monday to Friday with the requirement to work outside of these hours when required

Sunderland City Council is seeking to appoint a Political Assistant to provide dedicated support to the majority group, Reform UK.

This post is established in accordance with the provisions relating to Political Assistants under Section 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The appointment is fixed term until 31st May 2030, or such earlier date as is appropriate as it will continue only while the relevant political group, to which the post is aligned, remains eligible for the role of Political Assistant. The employment will terminate if the group ceases to meet the statutory eligibility requirements for the post.

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of local democracy, supporting elected members to develop policy, scrutinise decisions, shape public communications and contribute to the democratic process within Sunderland City Council.

The Role

Political Assistants provide research, policy, communications and administrative support to their allocated political group on Council business. The role helps elected members carry out their responsibilities effectively, including informed decision-making, policy development and scrutiny.

Working closely with councillors, you will:

Research and analyse Council policies, reports, consultations, budgets, and committee papers.

Prepare briefing notes, speeches, motions, amendments, statements, and questions for elected members.

Support preparation for Council, Cabinet, scrutiny, and committee meetings.

Monitor local and national policy developments, government announcements, and media coverage relevant to Council business.

Develop communications relating to Council business, including statements, press lines, social media content and other communications materials.

Provide administrative support to group meetings, including preparing agendas, notes, and follow-up actions.

Handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and professionally.andnbsp;

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with excellent political awareness, communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

You will be able to demonstrate:

Experience gained within a political, local government, public policy, research, communications, or similar environment.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong research, analytical and problem-solving abilities.

An understanding of local government and democratic decision-making processes.

The ability to prioritise work, manage competing deadlines and work independently.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with elected members, officers, and stakeholders.

A commitment to maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgement when dealing with sensitive matters.

Important Information

This post is established under Section 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and is designated as a politically restricted post. The successful candidate will provide support to the relevant political group on Council business and must operate within the statutory framework governing Political Assistant appointments.

The successful candidate will not undertake party-political campaigning, electioneering activities, fundraising, candidate support, canvassing or any activity intended to secure the election of a political party or individual. Council resources must be used solely for lawful Council-related purposes.

While employed by Sunderland City Council, the successful candidate will provide dedicated support to elected Members of Sunderland City Council. The role is focused exclusively on supporting elected Members in connection with their Council duties and does not provide support to other local authorities, regional bodies or national political parties.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the aims and priorities of the political group they wish to support. Selection will be made in accordance with the statutory requirements governing Political Assistant appointments.

As permitted by legislation governing Political Assistant appointments, regard may be given to candidatesand#39; political affiliation and political activities as part of the recruitment and selection process. However, all appointments will be made on merit and in line with the Councilandrsquo;s Recruitment and Selection policy.

Why Sunderland?

This is a rare opportunity to work at the centre of local government and play a key role in supporting elected members as they represent communities, develop policy and contribute to important decisions affecting the city.

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Applications should be made on-line at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. For further assistance contact Customer Enabling Services by email: jobs@sunderland.gov.uk

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Please note that CVs are not acceptable.

Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered online with North East Jobs, including your invitation to any online assessment you are required to undertake and your invite to interview if you are short-listed. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other means. Please remember to check your junk mail items.

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