At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the i Paper's political coverage and deliver impactful stories that shape national conversations.
- Company: Join the i Paper, a dynamic and impartial news outlet with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowances, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in journalism while shaping political reporting at a pivotal time.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in political journalism and strong contacts across Westminster.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are recruiting an outstanding Chief Political Correspondent to play a leading role in the i Paper’s Westminster team and help shape our coverage at a defining moment in British and global affairs. This is an exciting opportunity to join a title with momentum, ambition and a clear subscriber strategy. We are relentlessly focused on exclusive reporting, features, and distinctive insight on the stories that matter to our readers, rather than following the pack. The i Paper has never backed a political party, and it never will. Our coverage is robust, fair – and never boring. Being part of the i Paper’s political team gives you the freedom to chase down the stories that are most important to our readers, regardless of political perspective. You will be as comfortable breaking scoops in Westminster as you are translating complex policy into its real-world impact. You will have the platform and support to produce journalism that matters — and the opportunity to shape our political reporting as it continues to evolve.
Main Responsibilities
- Deliver original stories, agenda-setting exclusives and interviews that shape the national conversation.
- Reveal and unpack the real world impact of government policy for consumers.
- Identify angles others have missed into major political stories.
- Provide incisive, authoritative analysis that explains not just what is happening, but why it matters.
- Work closely with editors and audience teams to maximise reach and impact.
- Have the creativity and flexibility to collaborate on innovative digital storytelling formats.
- Use social video to broaden the reach and impact of The i Paper’s political journalism.
- Identify opportunities to convert political moments into subscriber growth through distinctive, high-value news, features and insight.
- Uphold The i Paper’s position of political impartiality at all times.
Person Specification
- A track record of delivering political exclusives at national level.
- Strong contacts across Westminster and beyond.
- Deep understanding of the UK political landscape and its global context.
- Strong track record of translating government policy into real-world impact for readers.
- Clear, authoritative writing style and excellent analytical ability.
- Calm and collegiate in a fast-moving news environment.
- Digitally savvy, with experience of driving digital performance and engaging subscribers.
- A creative approach to format and presentation, with a willingness to experiment and innovate.
- An understanding of the need for sharp, interpretative headlines that always move beyond straight and literal reporting.
- Ambitious, rigorous and committed to editorial excellence.
About Us
The i Paper is the only UK national newspaper that has never supported a political party and it reaches more than 9.2 million readers each month in print and online. It is committed to delivering accurate, impartial news and intelligent debate, trusting readers to make up their own minds. It was the winner of 2024 UK Newspaper of the Year and was named News Website of the Year in 2025. It is rapidly growing its digital subscriptions base, recently hitting 80k total subscriptions. The i Paper is a dynamic and inclusive work environment that fosters creativity and innovation in journalism. With a commitment to employee growth, our benefits package increases with tenure, providing generous holiday allowances, health support, and opportunities for professional development. Join us in a vibrant newsroom where your leadership will inspire a talented team to deliver impactful stories that resonate with millions of readers.
Our Commitment
We are committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We are Disability Confident Committed. Please let us know if you require any recruitment documentation in other formats or if you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process. Please be assured that any such information will be held separately to your recruitment application and will not be considered as part of the selection process.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Political Correspondent in London
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at The i Paper!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like The i Paper, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Political Correspondent in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for The i Paper:When applying for the Chief Political Correspondent role at The i Paper, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what The i Paper produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at The i Paper
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within The i Paper. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
