Ashfield council plans to appoint 'political assistant' to advise senior councillors on £30K salary

The post, based at Ashfield District Council's head offices on Urban Road, Kirkby, is a three-year role supporting the leader, deputy leaders and councillors of the Ashfield Independents.

In the job description, it says the successful candidate will set up meetings, take minutes and provide research for the politicians, as well as managing enquiries and problems from residents.

The description says: "The role includes providing effective administration in setting up meetings, taking minutes and providing research and analysis on issues which are of interest to the group and their strategic vision for the council.

"Furthermore, it supports the development of action plans and monitoring tools to ensure the delivery of the Ashfield Independents' key objectives.

"The successful candidate will also be responsible for responding to enquiries from the public and assisting members in resolving constituents’ problems and enquiries.

"The role will also maintain a detailed awareness of local and national issues and developments in local government policy, process and procedure.

"This includes maintaining a good level of knowledge on local government issues, including the council’s constitution, local government finance, and issues of local government policy and community development."

It adds that the successful candidate must be qualified to degree-level, that the contract is dependent on "political arrangements" and that the salary is between £27,905 and £30,507.

Canvassing for councillors or the Ashfield Independents is not allowed as part of the role.

Carol Cooper-Smith, Ashfield District Council’s interim chief executive, said the move is "not unusual" for councils.

She said: “This post has been established as a result of a clear recommendation in the Local Government Association peer review of March this year.

"This type of post is not unusual in many authorities, including other councils within Nottinghamshire."

But Councillor Lauren Mitchell, deputy leader of the Labour group and councillor for Hucknall South, said the job role was an "irresponsible" move.

"At a time when the council needs all the financial support it can get, this is a completely irresponsible and selfish move", she said.

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