Political Correspondent - South West

Do you want to tell the story of our national politics through the experiences of the people impacted by decisions taken in the corridors of power? Can you take a complex policy passed in Westminster and immediately show what it means for those in your community? We are looking for a skilled Political Correspondent to join our dynamic South West team, producing content for a number of our brands including but not limited to Bristol Live, Somerset Live, Gloucestershire Live, Devon Live, Plymouth Live and Cornwall Live.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced journalist to find and report on the political stories and issues which matter to our readers, producing both engaging content for our South West brands as well as serving as a contributor to political content at a network level for other brands.

This role can be either hybrid (depending on candidate location) or home based, covering the South West, we are therefore looking for candidates based in and around the South West.

About us

Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We're home to more than 120 trusted brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, Belfast Live, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us the UK and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK's online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we’re just getting started…

Your story, with Reach

As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.

We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.

What will the role involve?

Finding and telling compelling local stories that engage readers, turning dry public affairs into shareable content using investigative techniques, data, and first-hand testimony.

Acting as an authority on public bodies, scrutinising local government performance, and exposing critical community issues like child poverty and hospital wait times.

Mentoring fellow reporters, leading local democracy reporters by example, covering for other roles when needed, and working with senior editors to shape our South West brand’s editorial stances on key issues.

Packaging stories across diverse formats including live blogs, text, video, audio, and photos, while contributing to network-wide politics output.

Partnering with political colleagues across the wider editorial network, and being willing to coordinate content plans with colleagues on other brands and the data unit, as appropriate.

Building and nurturing active online and offline communities to distribute stories, gather feedback, and engage directly with readers.

Ensuring all content is thoroughly researched, balanced, and fully compliant with the Editor’s Code of Practice.

This role will involve working various shifts on a rota basis, including some evenings and weekends, so a flexible approach is required.

Who are we looking for?

You are an NCTJ/NQJ qualified, experienced senior journalist with proven experience reporting on political stories in a regional or national newsroom environment.

You have a strong track record of sourcing, pitching and telling important local stories accurately and to large digital audiences

You have demonstrable experience working a CMS as well as shooting video on patch

You are keen and ready to contribute to podcasts, video recordings and short form social content and reels to boost engagement

You have excellent public affairs knowledge as well as an…