Labour MP Alistair Strathern is recruiting a new Head of Office after revealing that his previous office chief has left Parliament to take up a role in Number 10 under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The Hitchin MP announced the vacancy on social media, joking that he would “have words” with Burnham for recruiting a member of his team.
Strathern said: “I’m hiring. With my previous Head of Office off to work in Number 10 (we’ll have words @andyburnham), I’m on the hunt for someone to head up our fantastic Parliamentary team!”
The permanent position, advertised at a salary of £44,000 to £48,000, will involve leading Strathern’s work in Westminster and across his Hitchin constituency. The successful candidate is expected to spend time in both locations.
The role provides an opportunity to work at the centre of a busy Labour parliamentary operation. Strathern is currently Parliamentary Private Secretary to Chancellor John Healey, with the new Head of Office expected to support his work in that position.
The successful applicant could also lead work connected to the Labour Group for Men and Boys, which Strathern helped found, as well as his interests in education and energy policy and his Private Member’s Bill seeking to extend compulsory relationships and sex education to the age of 18.
Other responsibilities include overseeing the parliamentary office, managing constituency campaigns, developing media and communications activity and supporting the management of the office’s parliamentary budget.
Strathern is looking for applicants with strong political judgement, excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to lead collaboratively in a busy political environment.
While previous Westminster experience would be welcomed, it is not essential, with the advert explicitly encouraging experienced senior parliamentary assistants seeking their next step as well as candidates from other backgrounds with relevant political experience.
Applications close on 26 August, with interviews expected during the week beginning 31 August and the successful candidate starting as soon as possible. Applicants are asked to submit a CV and covering letter of no more than two pages.
The vacancy also offers an interesting glimpse into the movement of Labour staff following Burnham’s arrival in Downing Street, with Strathern’s previous Head of Office among those making the move into the new Number 10 operation.
