Political Officer (Labour)

Why Southwark?

Want to work at the heart of local politics and help Labour councillors make a difference in Southwark?

We are looking for a politically engaged, organised and confident Political Officer to support the Labour Group of Southwark Councillors on a fixed term basis until May 2030.

Following the May 2026 local elections, Labour is the largest opposition group on Southwark Council, with 29 councillors. The Green Party and Liberal Democrats have formed a Joint Administration, and you will help Labour councillors represent their communities, develop policy and scrutinise the administration's decisions and priorities.

This is a varied role covering politics, policy, communications and local government. One day you could be researching a policy issue and preparing a briefing for councillors; the next, helping with Council Assembly, responding to a media enquiry or preparing material for a political meeting.

If you care about Labour politics, are interested in Southwark and enjoy getting to grips with complex issues, this could be the role for you.

*Please note this is a 4-year fixed term contract*

What You'll Be Doing

You will work closely with the Group Leader, councillors and Group Executive, providing the political, policy and administrative support they need to do their work effectively.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Researching local, regional and national political, policy and legislative developments and preparing briefings, reports and presentations.
• Drafting speeches, statements and public commentary, responding to media enquiries and supporting the Group's website and social media.
• Preparing councillors for Council Assembly, scrutiny and other democratic meetings, including motions, questions and briefings.
• Supporting Group Executive meetings, events, training and development.
• Building good working relationships with council officers, MPs, external organisations, other local authorities and community stakeholders.
• Keeping track of actions and priorities and making sure important information reaches the right people.

The work can move quickly, and priorities will sometimes change at short notice. You will need to be able to manage competing demands, meet tight deadlines and use good political judgement. Discretion and confidentiality are essential.

Some evening and weekend meetings will be part of the role.

The role is also a chance to build practical experience in politics, public policy, local government or public affairs, working directly with elected representatives and seeing how decisions are made at a local level.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who understands politics, cares about public service and can get things done.

You will have:

• An understanding of the role of councillors and political groups within local government.
• Good knowledge of local government and the policy issues affecting councils and communities.
• An understanding of Labour's political structures and a commitment to the aims and values of the Labour Party.
• Experience supporting a political, campaigning, community, public affairs or similar organisation, whether paid or voluntary.
• Strong research, writing and presentation skills and the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Good organisation and the ability to manage several priorities at once.
• The confidence to work with councillors, council officers, external organisations and members of the public.
• Good political judgement and an understanding of the importance of confidentiality.

You don't need to have followed a traditional career path into politics. What matters is that you can demonstrate the skills, experience and commitment needed to support councillors effectively and work well in a busy political environment.

If you have the skills, experience and commitment we're looking for, we'd like to hear from you.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Vishal Seegoolam via email at Vishal.Seegoolam@southwark.gov.uk

Additional Information

• Working Hours: 36 hours per week (Monday – Friday)
• Location: 160 Tooley St London SE1 2QH.
• Type of contract 4 year fixed term contract or secondment

This is a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and is offered on a fixed-term basis to May 2030.

Please note that we are unable to accept applications from individuals requiring visa sponsorship.

Benefits and more information:

https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment Timeline:

• Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 4th October 2026.
• Shortlisting & interview dates: Shortlisting will take place early in the week commencing 5th October, with interviews scheduled for later that same week.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

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Attachments

• Political Officer (Labour) - Job Description & Person Specification