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- Tasks: Cover local politics and report on council meetings for impactful journalism.
- Company: Join the Westmorland Gazette and The Mail, part of a dynamic news team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible work options, and great perks like gym memberships.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing your journalism career.
- Qualifications: Passion for local government and strong writing skills; NCTJ qualification preferred.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid model with opportunities for career progression and ongoing training.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Westmorland Gazette and daily title The Mail are looking for an outstanding reporter to cover politics in one of Newsquest’s busy Cumbrian newsrooms – as part of the Local Democracy Reporting scheme. You will join a team with an award-winning track record of agenda-setting council stories and play a vital role in supporting the BBC’s public journalism programme. The vacancy is available as part of the BBC-funded local democracy scheme and is ideal for a senior reporter looking to expand their career. Applications will also be considered from outstanding newly NCTJ-qualified reporters.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service is a partnership between major news publishers and the BBC, so your stories will be seen in numerous print and online products. It’s a flexible role that requires covering council meetings, some of which are held in the evenings, but also provides a good work-life balance. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great team on a competitive salary. The role will be based out of the Westmorland Gazette’s beautifully situated Kendal office as part of a flexible hybrid model with some days working from home. The closing date for applications is 5th January 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received so submit your details as soon as possible.
Key Responsibilities- Cover politics and local government as part of the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.
- Attend and report on council meetings, including some evening sessions.
- Produce agenda-setting stories that support the BBC’s public journalism programme.
- Ensure stories are published across multiple print and online platforms.
- Work collaboratively with an award-winning team and contribute to regional news coverage.
- Excellent knowledge and passion for local government.
- Ability to write engaging, accurate and compelling content.
- Strong news sense and ability to identify stories that matter to local communities.
- NCTJ qualification (applications considered from newly qualified reporters).
- Ability to work flexibly and manage time effectively.
- Commitment to high standards of journalism and public service reporting.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off.
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility.
- Structured career progression & ongoing training.
- Pension plan & mental health support.
- Perks & discounts including: Gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, Eye care vouchers (£50 towards glasses), Retail discounts.
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity day.
Local Democracy Reporter in Kendal employer: Newsquest
Contact Detail:
Newsquest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Democracy Reporter in Kendal
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local scene! Familiarise yourself with the key players in local government and the issues that matter to your community. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local events, council meetings, or even online forums where you can meet people in the industry. Building connections can lead to valuable insights and opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your work! Create a portfolio of your best stories, especially those that highlight your ability to cover politics and local government. Having tangible examples of your writing will make a strong impression on potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We review applications as they come in, so don’t wait until the deadline. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of landing that dream job as a Local Democracy Reporter!
We think you need these skills to ace Local Democracy Reporter in Kendal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Local Politics: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for local government and politics. We want to see that you’re not just a reporter, but someone who genuinely cares about the issues affecting the community.
Craft Engaging Stories: Your writing should be compelling and clear. Use your application to showcase your ability to create engaging content that resonates with readers. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can produce agenda-setting stories!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the Local Democracy Reporter role. We want to see how you fit into our team and what unique perspectives you bring.
Apply Early!: Since applications are reviewed as they come in, don’t wait until the deadline! Get your application in early through our website to increase your chances of standing out. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newsquest
✨Know Your Local Politics
Make sure you brush up on local government issues and recent council decisions in your area. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion for local democracy and your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio of your best writing samples, especially those that highlight your ability to cover political stories. Be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling and what makes your content engaging and relevant to the community.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role involves attending evening council meetings, be prepared to discuss your availability and how you manage your time effectively. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully balanced flexible working hours.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Research the team you'll be joining and be ready to talk about how you can contribute to their award-winning success. Emphasise your collaborative skills and any past experiences working in a team environment, as this role thrives on teamwork.
