Political Adviser - Reform Group

Location: Westminster Contract: 1 year fixed term contract – maternity cover (open to internal candidates and secondments from councils) About us The Local Government Association (LGA) is the national membership body for local authorities. We work on behalf of our member councils to support, promote and improve local government. We are a politically led, cross-party organisation that works on behalf of councils to ensure local government has a strong, credible voice with national government. We influence and set the political agenda on the issues that matter to councils to help them deliver local solutions to national problems. We also provide councils with the tools and resources to respond to challenges present and emerging, and support improvement across the sector. We value diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community to this high-profile role. About the role Reform UK has grown rapidly in local government, winning councillors and taking control of councils across the country. The Reform UK Group Office at the Local Government Association plays a central role in ensuring Reform councillors are effectively represented within the LGA and have the political, policy and organisational backing they need to deliver for their communities. As Political Adviser, you will work at the heart of a busy, fast paced and politically dynamic Group Office. Working closely with the Head of Group Office, you will assist Reform councillors, including the Group Leader and Lead Members, helping them to engage effectively with the LGA, respond to live issues, and make full use of the support available through LGA membership. This is a varied and demanding role spanning policy, media, communications, governance, member engagement, peer networks and events. You will help develop policy positions, prepare research and briefings, coordinate media lines and draft responses within demanding timescales, and ensure councillors are properly briefed on emerging issues. You will also contribute to the development of Reform UK’s national and regional peer networks. This will require active engagement with Reform UK councillors and leaders across the country, including through visits, meetings and events, to help ensure councils can make full use of the LGA’s improvement and sector support offer and that the Group Office remains closely connected to the needs of Reform‑led and Reform‑represented councils. This is an opportunity to be part of one of the fastest‑growing forces in local government, helping to strengthen Reform UK’s influence across the sector and ensuring its councillors are well briefed, well connected and able to maximise their influence and impact. About you We are looking for someone sharp, politically perceptive and highly proactive, with the judgement to understand what matters and the confidence to work independently in a fast‑paced environment. The successful candidate will be self‑motivated, organised and tenacious: someone who uses initiative, takes ownership of their work and keeps priorities moving. They will be comfortable managing competing demands, responding to urgent issues and adapting quickly when priorities shift. Clear communication, strong writing and attention to detail are essential. This role calls for someone who can produce accurate, persuasive material at pace, exercise discretion when handling sensitive matters, and remain calm and constructive under pressure. As part of a lean, growing and increasingly influential political operation, a positive, team‑first attitude matters. You will be willing to contribute wherever needed, whether supporting senior political and policy work, helping with events and meetings, or ensuring practical issues are dealt with quickly and professionally. Above all, this role requires someone motivated by helping Reform UK Members perform at their best. Whether preparing a briefing, coordinating a response, supporting an event or making sure a councillor has what they need at the right moment, the successful candidate will understand that effective political support is about judgement, service and delivery. Right to work: You must have the right to work in the UK; the LGA is unfortunately unable to offer sponsorship visas. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage. To apply We are specifically assessing candidates against the following criteria: In-depth understanding of local and/or central government and how they operate, with a particular focus on the role of councillors and local authorities. Strong political awareness and understanding of the UK political system, including the role of Reform UK and its priorities. Experience in a political, policy, or communications environment, with proven ability to support elected members and draft clear, persuasive material. Our benefits LGA annual leave entitlement is 29 days, rising to 31 days after three years’ service and to 33 days after five years’ service, plus all UK public holidays (pro rata for fixed term and part‑time contracts). Flexible & agile working – office‑based staff are required to work in the LGA’s London office two days per week as a minimum, subject to business need and this may vary significantly between different roles and from week to week. Future development – face‑to‑face and virtual courses are scheduled in line with developmental goals. The LGA offers 24/7 access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme managed by Health Assured. Family friendly policies. Our values & behaviours Our Values and Behaviours are there to give us an understanding of who we are as an organisation and who we want to be. They are a framework to help us understand: how we work with each other how we work with our members and stakeholders our expectations for ourselves and each other Our values are: Collaboration – We value collaboration, to pursue shared goals by encouraging and utilising diverse perspectives and working with internal and external colleagues across the organisation. Inclusion – We value inclusion, where everyone feels valued, understood, and supported to contribute meaningfully. Ambition – We value ambition, reflecting our desire to achieve best possible outcomes for local government, communities, and individuals. Respect – We value respect, to ensure fairness, recognition, and shared accountability. Equal Opportunity and Disability At the LGA we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our recruitment decisions are based on fair, open competition, with appointment on merit. The LGA is proud to be awarded a “Disability Confident Leader”. If you require a reasonable adjustment, contact View email address on click.appcast.io. The LGA is inviting both internal and external applicants; however, due to an ongoing programme of change at the LGA, suitable internal candidates will be prioritised for short‑listing. #J-18808-Ljbffr Local Government Association