Mayor's Political Assistant

This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of political leadership in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs.

As the Mayor’s Political Assistant, you will provide trusted political advice and hands-on support to the Mayor of Newham, helping to deliver his priorities for residents and progress the Mayor's priorities across the council and beyond.

You’ll play a key connecting role between the Mayor, councillors and officers — ensuring that political priorities are understood, reflected in council business, and translated into delivery.

This is a fast-paced, high-profile role suited to someone who thrives on complexity, can manage competing priorities, and is comfortable operating in a politically sensitive environment.

You will:

• →Provide political advice and support to the Mayor across his full portfolio
• →Prepare the Mayor for key meetings (Cabinet, Council, scrutiny and external engagements), ensuring strong political insight and briefing
• →Help shape and deliver political campaigns, communications and messaging
• →Draft briefings, speeches, and communications in the Mayor’s voice
• →Build strong relationships with councillors, political stakeholders and partners, including the Labour Group
• →Monitor national, London-wide and party-political developments and advise on implications for Newham
• →Support the Mayor’s external profile, including events, conferences and stakeholder engagement

We are looking for someone who is:

• Politically aware, with a strong understanding of local government and the wider political context
• Able to navigate sensitive issues and provide clear, sound judgement under pressure
• A strong communicator — able to write clearly, influence others, and tailor messages to different audiences
• Comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders and building trust quickly

IMPORTANT: If you are an LBN member of staff and applying for this role as a secondment you should note that secondments are subject to the agreement of your current employing service. Please ensure that you inform your line manager of your intention to apply for the post in the first instance.

Please view JD here

closing date: 28th June 2026

Additional Information

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us.

The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.