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The Local Democracy Reporting Service is a partnership between major news publishers and the BBC, meaning your stories will be seen across numerous print and online products.
JournalismNews-gatheringInterviewingReportingPublic interest journalism
Requirements
Candidates should have strong news-gathering and reporting skills with a deep knowledge of local government. Senior reporter experience is preferred, though newly NCTJ-qualified reporters will also be considered.
Job Description
Local Democracy Reporter
Application Deadline: 2 October 2026
Department: Editorial
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Kendal
Reporting To: Tom Murphy
Description
The Westmorland Gazette and daily title The Mail is looking for an outstanding reporter to cover politics in one of Newsquest’s busy Cumbrian newsrooms as part of the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.
You will join a team with an award-winning track record of agenda-setting council stories and play a vital role in supporting the BBC’s public journalism programme.
We need someone with excellent knowledge and passion for local government, as well as the ability to write engaging content.
We need someone with excellent knowledge and passion for local government, as well as the ability to write engaging content.
The vacancy is available as part of the BBC-funded local democracy scheme and is ideal for a senior reporter looking to expand their career. Applications will also be considered from outstanding newly NCTJ-qualified reporters.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service is a partnership between major news publishers and the BBC, meaning your stories will be seen across numerous print and online products.
This is a flexible role that requires covering council meetings, some of which are held in the evenings, while also providing a good work-life balance.
The role will be based at the Westmorland Gazette’s Kendal office within a flexible hybrid working model, with some days working from home.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great team on a competitive salary, hone your skills and learn from some of the best journalists across regional news and the BBC.
Key Responsibilities
- Cover local politics and council meetings across Cumbria.
- Produce engaging, accurate and impactful journalism on local government issues.
- Deliver agenda-setting council stories that inform and engage local audiences.
- Support the BBC’s public journalism programme through the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
- Create content for publication across multiple print and digital news platforms.
- Attend evening council meetings where required.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Excellent knowledge of and passion for local government and politics.
- Strong news-gathering, interviewing, and reporting skills.
- Ability to write engaging and accurate content to deadline.
- Strong understanding of public interest journalism.
- Senior reporter experience is welcome, although we will also consider outstanding newly NCTJ-qualified reporters.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider newsroom team.
- A flexible approach to working patterns, including attending some evening meetings.
The closing date for applications is October 2, 2026.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so submit your details as soon as possible.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so submit your details as soon as possible.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off
- Holiday buy scheme for extra flexibility
- Structured career progression & ongoing training
- Pension plan
- Employee Helpline counselling and advice
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Perks & discounts including:
- Gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eye care
- Retail discounts
- Team building days & annual volunteer charity day
Education
Professional Certificate
Skills
JournalismNews-gatheringInterviewingReportingPublic interest journalismLocal government knowledgeContent creationWritingCommunicationTime managementIndependent workingTeamwork