Local Democracy Reporter – Darlington

Join one of the UK’s biggest regional news brands as our Local Democracy Reporter for County Durham and Darlington – at one of the most exciting moments in local politics.

The Northern Echo is looking for an exceptional senior journalist who can live and breathe the political landscape across County Durham and can spot the real story lurking behind every council agenda and committee report, not just who said what in the council chamber, but what it means on the streets of Durham, Darlington, and the communities in between.

Key Responsibilities

This is a patch at the heart of the national conversation: the North East’s evolving devolution settlements, a shifting local government political map, and the Darlington Economic Campus – firmly branded “Number 11 North” – putting Treasury decision‑making, civil service jobs and economic policy on our doorstep.

You’ll dig into decisions on budgets, planning, transport, housing and social care, and turn complex policy into sharp, human‑focused stories that matter to local people. You’ll shine a light on how taxpayer money is spent, who really benefits, and what it means for residents’ day‑to‑day lives.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

This is a role for a proven reporter with strong contacts, sharp instincts and the confidence to challenge those in power.

You’ll be as comfortable with live updates and video from a heated council meeting and filing for online within minutes as you are crafting in‑depth explainers and exclusives.

Working as part of the BBC‑funded Local Democracy Reporting Service and The Northern Echo’s newsroom, you’ll help set the agenda on local government coverage across County Durham and Darlington, providing original, impartial journalism that informs, engages and stands up for our communities.

You will be NCTJ qualified, with shorthand and must be able to drive. If you think you have what it takes, get in touch.

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
Perks & discounts including:
- Gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eye care
- Retail discounts
Team building days & annual volunteer charity day

About Newsquest Media Group

We are a media company with a difference. We are committed to bringing a voice to your region by investing in a passionate team of journalists who proudly serve their communities by sharing authoritative news that readers trust. Our sales teams provide local businesses with highly responsive digital advertising and marketing solutions.

We are one of the largest regional news publishers in the UK and have a portfolio of more than 250+ local news brands and magazines online and in print. With an online audience of 41 million users a month and 7 million readers a week in print, our content is read by a substantial proportion of the UK population.

In addition to our local news brands, we own several digital pure play and specialist media businesses such as s1jobs and s1homes, Exchange & Mart, and Newsquest Specialist Media. We also own LOCALiQ, an award-winning digital marketing agency that specialises in driving more leads, increasing online growth and generating return on marketing investment on behalf of thousands of UK SMBs.