Torcuil Crichton MP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar is seeking a Parliamentary Researcher to join his Westminster team for a fixed term contract of three months to cover extended staff leave. The period of employment is February - April 2026.

The roleholder will play an important role in supporting the MP’s parliamentary work, overseeing the day-to-day running of a busy Westminster office, and engaging with constituency staff to help serve the Na h-Eileanan an Iar constituency.

You will be expected to have demonstrable and good understanding of how Parliament works, as well as strong communication and organisational skills. This would ideally suit an applicant with current parliamentary security clearance and experience of the workings of the Commons.

The roleholder will report to and receive ongoing guidance from the MP and Chief of Staff. The roleholder will also have access to training provided from the House of Commons.

What a typical day involves:

• Working directly with the MP on Parliamentary diary management.
• Carrying out research and assessing the current political situation.
• Forward planning for upcoming Parliamentary events and engagements.
• Working directly with the MP to draft speeches and questions.
• Working with constituency staff on campaign casework.

Person specification
Skills and experience (essential)
• An understanding of how the UK Parliament works.
• Strong political knowledge, understanding and judgement.
• Experience in researching.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time-management and organisational skills.
• Motivation to work under own direction without supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Ability to deal with issues in a confidential and sensitive manner.
• Sympathetic to the aims and values of Torcuil Crichton MP.

Skills and experience (desirable)
• Detailed knowledge of UK Parliamentary processes and procedure.
• Experience delivering Parliamentary activities, such as written questions, Early Day Motions etc.
• Gàidhlig speaker.
• Some knowledge of Scottish politics and island geography would be helpful, but not necessary, as we have maps and a great team in the islands who can help.