Head of the Commons Whips Office

Job title: Head of the Commons Whips Office

Location: Westminster, London

Working For: Liberal Democrats

Salary: £52,289.35

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 27 March 2026

Role Overview

The Head of the Whips Office will play a pivotal role at the heart of the parliamentary operation of the Liberal Democrats.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff to the Chief Whip, the postholder will lead the day-to-day operation of the Commons Whips Office and play a central role in maximising the impact of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Commons. 

They will ensure the effective management of parliamentary business and provide high standards of procedural and political support to Liberal Democrat MPs, the Chief Whip, the Deputy Chief Whip and the Chief of Staff to the Chief Whip. 

The position will demand a high level of organisation skill, a capacity for negotiation and discretion and an ability to get the best out of people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the work of the Whips’ Office on a day-to-day basis. 
• Oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of the Office’s operational priorities. 
• Identify opportunities to achieve Liberal Democrat objectives through Parliament. 
• Liaise with other party whips offices, government offices and parliamentary authorities as required.
• Advise the Chief Whip, the Deputy Chief Whip and the Chief of Staff to the Chief Whip on parliamentary procedure and on opportunities to support the Liberal Democrats in Parliament. 
• Provide procedural, political and pastoral support and advice to Liberal Democrat MPs and their staff. 
• Provide other duties as required by the Chief Whip and/or the Chief of Staff to the Chief Whip.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:
 

• Robust understanding and knowledge of UK parliamentary procedures and the Parliamentary Party.
   
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
   
• Ability to handle sensitive political information with discretion and professionalism.
   
• Effective interpersonal skills across a range of stakeholders.
   
• Willingness to work flexibly and be responsive to the demands of the Office. 
   
• High level of political awareness and strong political judgement.
   
• Experience of crisis management and working under pressure.
   
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
   
• Strong commitment to, and understanding of, the aims and values of the Liberal Democrats.

Desirable Criteria:
 

• Experience of legislative campaigning.
• Familiarity with internal structures and operations of the Liberal Democrats.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to recruitment@libdems.org.uk 

• A CV (maximum 2 pages)
   
• A cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date. We will not notify applicants if their application has been unsuccessful at the shortlisting stage.

Please note: 

We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.

Please let us have details of your current salary and two referees including one from your current employer – if you would prefer us not to contact them until a later stage of the selection process, please let us know.

We may not notify applicants if their application has been unsuccessful at the shortlisting stage.

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.