At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Labour Group in delivering local policies and connecting with the community.
- Company: Brent Council, a vibrant and diverse borough in London.
- Benefits: Up to 33 days annual leave, excellent pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to senior elected Members.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in politics and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for public policy.
The predicted salary is between 48003 - 51138 £ per year.
This job posting is open to Internal and External Applicants.
Salary range: £48,003- £51,138 p.a. inc. London weighting
Contract: Permanent - Fixed term until 31st May 2030
Hours of work: 36 hours per week (including the occasional evening work)
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.
Are you passionate about people, politics and policymaking? Brent is one of London’s most dynamic, diverse and ambitious boroughs. Home to Wembley Stadium, the Kiln Theatre, the Neasden Temple, thriving town centres and some of the capital’s most vibrant communities, Brent brings together inner city and suburban London in one place. It is a borough of huge opportunity, sharp contrasts and real complexity, which makes it a fascinating and rewarding place to work in local government.
Following the May 2026 local elections, the Brent Labour Group is entering a new political term with a clear policy direction: to Believe in Brent and to help make the borough cleaner, safer and more affordable. This role will help the Labour Group continue to connect local priorities with wider policy change, making sure Brent’s voice is heard beyond the borough.
We are looking for an outstanding Political Assistant to support the Labour Group of Councillors as they work to deliver that programme in a more plural Council environment, requiring collaboration, strong organisation, careful political judgement and effective communication.
The Post
This is a varied and fast-moving role at the heart of the Labour Group, supporting a wide range of councillors and working closely with the Head of the Leader’s Office, Labour Group Officers and Members across the Group.
In this post you will:
- Acting as first point of contact for the administration, supporting them with Labour Group business.
- Leading on the work programme for the administration, providing executive support to the Labour Group.
- Interfacing between the political leadership and the Council’s corporate management structure, assisting with the coordination, development and delivery of priorities.
- Researching, evaluating and analysing issues which are of interest, relevance and importance to members of the Group.
- To establish and develop appropriate systems to communicate on behalf of the administration.
This role offers significant exposure to senior elected Members, Council decision-making and the wider political, financial and legislative context facing local government. It is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to develop their experience in politics, policy, communications and local government.
The Person
The ideal candidate will be an outstanding adviser, with excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills, and the confidence to manage the competing demands of a number of elected Members. Experience in a political environment is valuable and desirable, but we know that strong candidates may come from a range of backgrounds. We welcome applications from anyone with a professional approach, a strong interest in public policy and local government, and the ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
You should be able to produce high-quality written material quickly and accurately, whether that is a briefing note, speech, press statement, social media post, motion, question, amendment or line to take. You will also need to be comfortable turning complex policy, governance and political issues into clear advice and practical support for councillors.
The candidate we are looking for will need to demonstrate an understanding of what local government in London does, the aims of the Brent Labour Group, and how this sits within a political, financial and legislative context. Digital and communications skills will be important. Experience using social media, video editing, graphic design or other creative communications tools would be an advantage, particularly where these skills can help translate complex policy and political messages into clear, engaging content for residents.
This post is politically restricted and will be offered in line with current legislation governing Political Assistant posts. This is a temporary role until May 2030.
Why join us?
- 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
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.
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Political Assistant to the Labour Group in London
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Political Assistant to the Labour Group in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brent Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Brent Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Brent Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
