rural Roots, Progressive future

Vacancy – Parliamentary Assistant

Job Title: Parliamentary Assistant (Fulltime 40 hours)
Working For: Maya Ellis MP (Ribble Valley)
Location: London
Salary: £36,000 pa (IPSA pay scales.)
Length of Contract: Permanent

Job Details


Maya Ellis is looking for an enthusiastic, organised and highly motivated individual to join her in the Westminster office.
Maya was elected as the Labour MP for Ribble Valley, Lancashire in July 2024. Her areas of policy focus are early years and children, working families and women’s rights, along with regeneration, planning and building local communities.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a dynamic role for a determined constituency MP.

responsibilities Include:

  • Supporting the Ribble Valley team with policy-based casework, including drafting responses to policy enquiries from constituents
  • Develop a working knowledge of relevant legislation and upcoming business, including how they impact on the constituency.
  • Prepare and present relevant briefing notes
  • Effective diary management in Westminster and liaison with the constituency Office Manager, who oversees the constituency diary
  • Support Maya in Westminster meetings, including APPG and committee work as appropriate, taking notes and following up with minutes and actions
  • Continually develop thorough understanding of parliamentary procedure
  • Assist in writing parliamentary questions
  • Engage confidentially and professionally with members of the public, through telephone enquiries, social media, mail, and face-to-face meetings.
  • Maintain positive on-going relationships with all stakeholders, including members of the public, groups, media and others.
  • Monitor media coverage, brief Maya on relevant issues.
  • Producing content for Maya’s social media channels, including drafting copy and some video editing and graphic design
  • Work with local and national press, writing press copy
  • Input into local campaigns, devising strategies and horizon-scanning for new opportunities
  • Undertake policy research and development, producing concise briefings at pace and doing longer-term research projects
  • Work with constituency office staff to ensure strong links between constituency & Westminster
  • Develop and maintain current knowledge on relevant areas of parliamentary business
  • Liaise with stakeholders across Parliament attending meetings as appropriate
  • Responding to routine correspondence and enquires

The successful applicant would have, or show the ability to learn quickly:

  • Strong written, organisational and verbal communication skills, with outstanding attention to detail
  • The ability to work often under pressure and to tight deadlines
  • Ability to manage own workload, prioritise and work flexibly under pressure as part of a team
  • Demonstrable interest or experience in Maya’s areas of policy focus
  • A good understanding of what makes an interesting news story
  • Experience of dealing with highly sensitive and confidential information
  • Sympathy with the aims and objectives of the Labour Party
  • Light graphic design and video editing skills necessary – training available
  • Experience working in Parliament, politics or another relevant role desirable
  • There may be a requirement to work outside of normal working hours or location, including attending events with the MP, and occasional visits to the constituency.

Upon appointment you will be required to apply for security clearance, undertaken by the Security Vetting and Pass Office. See Members’ Staff Security Clearance page for further info. Successful security clearance is a contractual requirement.


Closing Date: 29 th September 2024


Interview/Start Dates
Shortlisting will take place w/c 30th September with initial interviews taking place 8th-9th October, or possibly 14th-16th October, in Westminster (please advise on email if those dates are challenging for you).

Application Details
Accepted applications must include:


• Covering letter (max 1 side of A4, normal margins) explaining how you could fulfil this role and why you would like to work for Maya Ellis MP with details of any relevant experience.

• An up to date CV (max 2 sides of A4, normal margins).

• Contact details of two referees and confirmation of any notice period you would need to give if in current employment.

Please apply by email with the subject line “Parliamentary Assistant Application – YOUR NAME” – to simon.burgess@parliament.uk