Political Assistant (Liberal Democrats)
Job Summary
Contract Type:
Fixed Term
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
18/09/2026
Advert End Date:
02/10/2026 12:00
Salary:
Grade 6 (SCP 22-25) £34,811-£37,563
Job Category:
Policy/ Research
Employment Location:
City Hall/Agile
Further Information
Politically Restricted Post
37 hours per week, Monday to Friday with the requirement to work outside of these hours when required. Part time/job share applications will be considered.
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.
Sunderland City Council is seeking to appoint a Political Assistant to provide dedicated support to qualifying political groups within the Council. This position will support the official opposition group, the Liberal Democrats.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local democracy, supporting elected members in developing policy, scrutinising decisions, shaping public communications and contributing to the democratic process within Sunderland City Council.
The Role
Political Assistants provide research, policy, communications, and administrative support to their allocated political group in relation to Council business. The role is designed to assist elected members in carrying out their responsibilities effectively and to support informed decision-making, policy development, and scrutiny activity.
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, regional and national policy developments, North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and government announcements, and media coverage relevant to Council business.
- Assist with developing 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.
About You
We are looking for highly motivated individuals 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, verbal and social media 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
These posts are established under Section 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and are designated as politically restricted posts. The successful candidates will provide support to the relevant political group in relation to Council business and must operate within the statutory framework governing Political Assistant appointments.
The successful candidates 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.
Whilst employed by Sunderland City Council, the successful candidates will provide dedicated support to elected Members of Sunderland City Council. The role is focused exclusively on supporting the Council's elected Members in connection with their duties within Sunderland City Council 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 had to candidates' 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 Councils 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.
Applications should be made on-line at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. For further assistance contact Customer Enabling Services by email: jobs@sunderland.gov.uk
Please note that CVs are not accepted.
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.