Chief of Staff to the Chief Whip (Internal only)
Location: Westminster, London
Working For: Chief Whip, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party
Salary: Circa £62,000
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 22nd August 2025
Role Overview
The Chief of Staff to the Chief Whip will play a pivotal role in the smooth and effective functioning of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Party (LDPP) in the House of Commons. Working in a senior role at the heart of the parliamentary operation, this individual will be the principal source of political advice and strategic support to the Chief Whip in their role managing parliamentary business and the parliamentary party. The role involves ensuring good internal communications, maintaining party cohesion, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Whips’ Office.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the principal adviser to the Chief Whip on strategies and tactics to maximise the political impact of the LDPP in Parliament and maintain strong party cohesion.
- Oversee the operations of the Liberal Democrat Whips’ Office, supervising or supporting junior team members.
- Manage effective communication between the Whips’ Office and Liberal Democrat MPs, peers and parliamentary staff, as well as House authorities.
- Prepare the Chief Whip to manage upcoming political developments and events, anticipating challenges and advising on appropriate interventions.
- Liaise with the Leader’s Office, party spokespeople and wider party teams to ensure strategic alignment.
- Lead on the coordination and planning of LDPP internal meetings, events and away days.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- Significant experience of leading a team in a political or parliamentary environment.
- Strong understanding of UK parliamentary procedures and legislative process.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive political information with discretion and professionalism.
- Effective interpersonal and influencing skills across a range of stakeholders.
- High level of political awareness and very good political judgement.
- Strong commitment to, and understanding of, the aims and values of the Liberal Democrats.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable Criteria:
- Previous experience within a Whips' Office or political strategy role.
- Familiarity with internal structures and operations of the Liberal Democrats.
- Experience in legislative campaigning or parliamentary negotiation.
How to Apply
This role is open to internal applicants only – people currently working for the Parliamentary Office of the Liberal Democrats, Liberal Democrat HQ, or Liberal Democrat MPs.
Please fully read through the requirements of the job before applying and take a few minutes to complete our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Forms then proceed with your application.
A full CV of no more than two pages and including a telephone number and email address;
A covering letter (no more than one A4 page) setting out why you want the job and how your experience and skills are relevant to it;
To be considered for this position, please submit your application to Recruitment@libdems.org.uk
We will be reviewing applications as they come in and reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date.
Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.
Please note: Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we cannot confirm receipt of applications. The inbox is frequently monitored on a daily basis and all applications are passed on to the Recruitment Managers for the advertised positions.
The Party believes it is essential to foster equity, equality, diversion and inclusion within our workforce. We want our employees to thrive in an environment where everyone is welcome and supported to achieve their potential. It is important to celebrate what makes us unique and that you feel valued, appreciated and free to be who you are.