Leader of the Opposition (and Leaders of Opposition Groups) role profile

This role profile in addition to the Ward Councillor profile.

Summary of responsibilities

Political Leadership

• Provide effective political leadership to the opposition group within the local authority.
• Articulate and advocate the opposition's vision, policies, and positions on key issues as the Group’s principal political spokesperson.
• Develop and maintain a cohesive and effective opposition strategy

Scrutiny and accountability

• Lead the opposition in holding the ruling administration to account.
• Actively participate in council meetings, committees, and debates to scrutinise decisions and policies.
• Contribute to the development of alternative proposals and policies.
• Support open and transparent scrutiny, encouraging the Group to work constructively with the Council, the Executive and statutory partners.

Public engagement

• Engage with the local community to understand their concerns and aspirations.
• Represent the opposition in public forums, media appearances, and community events.
• Communicate the opposition's stance on local issues effectively.

Collaboration and negotiation

• Ensure effective communication between party group members, other political groups, officers, the community and other partners.
• Negotiate with the ruling administration to influence policy decisions and amendments.
• Liaise with the Strategic Directors, Directors and other officers of the Authority on a regular basis in relation to Council business as appropriate.

Strategic planning

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for the opposition's objectives.
• Identify key areas for improvement and propose alternative policies and initiatives.

Group management

• Provide leadership, guidance, mentoring and development to opposition group members.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

Key knowledge and skills

Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of local government structures, processes, and policies.
• Knowledge of current political trends, issues, and the implications for the local community.
• Strong analytical skills to assess policy proposals and their impact.
• Strategic thinking to develop effective opposition strategies.

Skills

• Leadership of a political group including motivating, developing and inspiring a diverse team.
• Effective Monitoring of the council’s decision-making processes• Analytical and Strategic Thinking
• Negotiation and Diplomacy
• Public relations, media and written communication skills.
• Strong scrutiny skills to assess and analyse Cabinet activities.
• Group management and supporting group members individually and collectively.

Training and other mandatory requirements

Potential training

• Local Government Association (LGA) Leadership and Opposition Leadership courses and similar from other organisations.
• Local government structures, functions and decision-making.
• Public speaking and media relations.
• Group leadership and team management.
• Managing difficult conversations and complex relationships Policy analysis and development.
• Negotiation and conflict resolution.