Political Officer Labour

Location: Brampton Bierlow

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  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…