Political Writer - Manchester Evening News

The Manchester Evening News is the largest regional website in the country and over the years we have learned how to get political coverage read. We now want to grow that audience further. We are looking for a Political Writer who really cares about Manchester and the north and wants to help fight for its future.

We are looking for a great journalist who can create local and national political content. You will be someone who understands how politics and policy impacts everyone’s lives. You will be able to bring in exclusive stories and spot trends that inform longer agenda-setting reads. You’ll write quick takes to deadline, run live blogs and create analysis & commentary. You will be as comfortable cultivating contacts in Westminster as you are reporting social affairs in Manchester.

This is a hybrid role, linked to our Manchester Evening News Hub, we are therefore open to candidates based in Greater Manchester. 

About us

Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We're home to more than 120 trusted brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like the Manchester Evening News, MyLondon, BelfastLive and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us the UK and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK's online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we’re just getting started…

Your story, with Reach

As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.

We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.

What will the role involve?

As the key contact for politicians across Greater Manchester and beyond, you will serve as the definitive political voice of the Manchester Evening News to influential stakeholders. You will take the lead on crafting crucial brand content, including high-impact opinion pieces, while representing the title’s interests at the highest levels of regional government. You will build and maintain a sophisticated network of contacts across the city and the wider North, generating exclusive political content and sharp analysis that sets the regional agenda. You will generate exclusive Manchester, Greater Manchester and northern political content and analysis by building and maintaining a strong network of contacts across the city and wider region.

You will tell the stories of how politics and policy impacts on people’s lives and pick subjects for wider development and analysis. You will be a dedicated cheerleader for the people of Greater Manchester, consistently placing the audience at the forefront of your content creation. You will maintain a commanding and authoritative voice on social media, demonstrating a deep understanding of the Manchester Evening News brand and its unique place in the community. This role requires working some evenings and weekend shifts on a rota basis, so a flexible approach is required.

Who are we looking for?

You are a senior qualified (NQJ or time served) journalist with up to date UK media law knowledge. You have a proven wealth of experience reporting on news in a fast paced regional or national newsroom environment. You have a deep understanding of how politics and the public sector works. You have a passion for news and politics, excellent storytelling skills and a deep understanding of how to make content engaging. You will also take part in the news rota so should have general and political reporting experience.

You can translate complex ideas into understandable copy, turning the latest political news into digestible and engaging content for our readers.  You are well organised, adaptable and creative with good judgment. You are a good communicator, with a can-do attitude who is able to work with energy in an agile way.

How we'll look after you

We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.

• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.

• Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)

• Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.

• Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers. If there's something you want to understand more about, just ask - it won’t make a difference to your application.

• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.

• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.

• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.

• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.

• Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.