At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Liberal Democrat Group with research, communication, and administration.
- Company: Brent Council, a vibrant and diverse London borough.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension, flexible working, and health support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Join a transformative council and make a real impact in local politics.
- Qualifications: Experience in a political environment and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 42060 - 42060 £ per year.
This job posting is only open to Internal and External Applicants.
Salary range: £42,060 p.a. inc. London weighting (PO1)
Contract: Fixed term to 30 June 2030 (as per political restrictions)
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic centre and other locations from time to time
Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here.
The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.
The Post:
- Brent Council is looking for a political assistant to support the Liberal Democrat Group.
- Assisting the Group with organisation and administration (including attendance at Group Meetings).
- Working closely with the Group to research, evaluate and analyse issues which are of interest, relevance and importance to the Leader and Members of the Group.
- Acting as first point of contact and ensuring effective communications between Group Members, and between the Group, the Party, the Council, and other stakeholders.
- Preparing press releases and dealing with media enquiries on behalf of the Leader and the Group; liaising with Members of Parliament and Officers of the Council.
The ideal candidate will have experience of working in a political environment, a professional approach and agile organisational skills to deal with shifting priorities. You will need to demonstrate awareness of what local government is and does, and the financial, political, and legislative context in which it operates. Membership of the Liberal Democrat Party is desirable.
This post is politically restricted and will be offered in line with current legislation governing Political Assistant Posts.
As the Group’s Political Assistant you will be carrying out a range of interesting duties including:
- Undertaking political research in Council matters.
- Assisting with the composition and issuing of press releases.
- Attending Liberal Democrat Group meetings to provide information and advice to Council Members.
- Taking minutes of internal meetings.
- Liaising with Members of Parliament and Officers of the Council.
Why join us?
We know people achieve their best when they feel valued. At Brent, you’ll benefit from:
- Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays.
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS).
- Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles.
- Supportive family-friendly policies for parents, guardians, and carers.
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans.
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities.
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment.
To learn more about our benefits, visit Our offer to you.
Closing date: 11.59pm on 15 July 2026.
If you are interested in applying for this job, please start by clicking the "Apply Now" button below. You must provide a supporting statement as part of your application that clearly shows how you meet the essential requirements on the Job description. We will accept a CV in support of your application; however, you should still provide a supporting statement.
This position is only open to current employees of Brent Council or Temporary Agency Workers currently working in Brent Council. External candidates are not permitted to apply for internal only roles.
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourages applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application.
We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.
The information we collect from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas and your data protection rights can be found here.
Brent has a positive approach to flexible working.
As a disability confident employer, Brent welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including “non-visible” disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@brent.gov.uk.
Political Assistant to the Opposition Group employer: Borough of Brent
Brent Council is an exceptional employer that values diversity and fosters a supportive work environment, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in local governance. With generous benefits such as up to 33 days of annual leave, excellent pension contributions, and a commitment to employee development, you will find ample opportunities for growth while working in the vibrant and culturally rich borough of Brent. Join us in our transformative agenda and enjoy a flexible working culture that prioritises your well-being and work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Political Assistant to the Opposition Group
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Borough of Brent, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Borough of Brent and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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We think you need these skills to ace Political Assistant to the Opposition Group
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Borough of Brent and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Brent
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Borough of Brent, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Borough of Brent.
