Political correspondent

The political correspondent helps to ensure The Telegraph’s political coverage is comprehensive and of the highest standard. 

They will be expected to bring in exclusive stories, as well as covering breaking news, debates, and Select Committee hearings. They are also expected to help plan for the coverage of major political events, such as elections. 

The political correspondent will write stories for The Telegraph app, website and newspaper, and are expected to have an understanding of how best to present stories online. 

They will be expected to build and maintain relevant contacts, in order to break and develop political stories. 

The political correspondent will help to cover major political events, including by running live blogs and reporting from the ground. 

The political correspondent works closely with the wider lobby team, news editors, other news reporters and specialists, and other journalists across the newspaper.

Key responsibilities

• The political correspondent is expected to provide high-quality, accurate coverage of politics and to bring in exclusive news stories. 
• The successful candidate for this role will progress to writing front page stories and articles which lead the website. They will also progress to writing longer pieces of journalism, such as dispatches from election counts. 
• They are expected to cover debates and Select Committee hearings.
• They will be expected to file on breaking political news and run live blogs as required. 
• They will be expected to build and maintain political contacts, including MPs and Peers.
• They are expected to write accurate, clear and concise news stories in house style.
• They are expected to meet tight deadlines and to organise their schedule around the deadline demands of the newsroom. 
• Under pressure, they are expected to identify the best line for a potential story and relay that information to news editors clearly and concisely. 
• They are responsible for ensuring stories are accurate and legally compliant. 
• They are expected to have an understanding of the stories which attract readers online and that readers and subscribers to the Daily Telegraph are interested in. Through their articles, they will help the company to reach its goal of attracting and retaining more subscribers online.
• Please note: this role will work on a Tuesday - Saturday rota.

Key skills

• Experience working within the newsroom of a national media organisation or equivalent is essential. Experience working in political journalism is desirable.
• It is essential that those with a general reporting background can demonstrate an ability to break news, find exclusive stories, and develop contacts.
• Knowledge of and a passion for politics is essential. 
• An ability to write clear, accurate copy is essential. 
• A proven ability to develop sources and contacts is essential.
• It is essential that candidates are able to process large amounts of detailed information quickly and accurately. 
• It is essential to be highly organised and able to work on multiple projects simultaneously while effectively prioritising different tasks and meeting tight deadlines.
• It is essential to be a strong verbal communicator, who is able to explain stories succinctly and clearly to editors. 
• Knowledge of how best to present stories online is desirable.

Our benefits

The nature of our industry means life at the Telegraph Media Group is fast-paced, demanding, and interesting. We also want it to be rewarding for everyone who works here by creating a suite of benefits that contribute to lifestyle choices and leisure activities.

From dynamic working opportunities, medical cover, and parental leave (six months fully paid maternity leave and enhanced paternity/partner leave), to life assurance and season ticket loans, you can choose from a range of flexible benefits, designed to support your lifestyle and help you achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Training and development

With support from your manager and colleagues, you will also have access to a variety of training and development opportunities through The Academy. Covering a range of personal and professional skills, our courses enable you to develop an enjoyable and rewarding career.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Telegraph Media Group, we foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and we are committed to building a team that reflects a wide variety of skills, perspectives and backgrounds. We believe in equality of opportunity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

We are proud to be a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader as part of the government’s Disability Confident Scheme. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition and would like support in applying for any of our roles or if you require any reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process with us, please make us aware.

To find out more about Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Telegraph Media Group, and for more information on our purpose, beliefs, and people values, please visit our website.