Political Assistant to the Labour Group

Are you passionate about people, politics and policymaking? 

At the May 2022 local elections, 49 Labour Party councillors were elected to Brent Council with a mandate to transform Brent and support residents during the cost-of-living crisis. 

Brent’s Cabinet is already setting new records on representation, with the highest number of women of any Cabinet in London. The Cabinet are pursuing a far-reaching agenda to make Brent ready for the future - as set out in the new Borough Plan: “Moving Forward Together”.

You will be working in a borough which personifies the very best of London, spanning both inner city and suburban London. Brent has many iconic features such as the Wembley arch, Kiln Theatre, and heritage gems such as the Neasden Temple - BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. It is a borough where economic, environmental, and demographic contrasts collide in just a short walk. It’s what makes it such a fantastic place to be a public servant.

We are recruiting for a Political Assistant to support the Labour Group. This is a varied role with an ever-changing set of priorities, working to support a wide array of councillors.

You will:

• Acting as first point of contact for the Labour Group, supporting them to discharge their functions in respect of Labour Group business and ensuring effective communications between Labour Group Members and the local, regional and national Labour Party.
• Leading on the work programme for Labour Group meetings; providing administrative support and advice to the Group and governance advice to the Labour Group leadership.
• Working closely with the Head of the Leader’s Office and Labour Group Officers to research, evaluate and analyse issues which are of interest, relevance and importance to members of the Labour Group.
• To draft press releases and undertake media liaison on behalf of the Labour Group as required, supporting the Labour Group in communicating their activities to residents.

You will have unparalleled exposure to the senior politicians and sector leading council officers, with the ability to be a part of key decisions at every turn.

Alongside your primary responsibilities, there is significant scope for development within the role, with potential to build a portfolio of policy expertise and support the wider work of the Executive and Member services area. 

The ideal candidate will be an outstanding political advisor, with excellent organisation and interpersonal skills and the confidence to manage the competing demands of a number of politicians.

Experience is valuable and desirable, but we know that not everyone will have previously worked in a political environment. We welcome applications from anyone with a professional approach, an interest in public policy; and the ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form, we want to hear from you. 

You must be highly organised if you are to support the Labour Group, as well as having an eye to the details that can make or break a political career. By its very nature you will need to be able to navigate through and negotiate through situations which are complex and sensitive.

The candidate we are looking for will also need to demonstrate that they understand what local government in London does, the aims of the Brent Labour Group; and how all of this sits within a political, financial, and legislative context.

This post is politically restricted and will be offered in line with current legislation governing Political Assistant Posts. This is a temporary role to May 2026.

If you would like an informal conversation about what role entails, please contact Natalie.Zara@brent.gov.uk.