A fantastic opportunity for someone based in Rutland who wants to dive headfirst into the world of public service. Working in an MP’s constituency office

A fantastic opportunity for someone based in Rutland who wants to dive headfirst into the world of public service. Working in an MP’s constituency office is often fast-paced, deeply personal, and requires a "roll up your sleeves" attitude.

While Alicia Kearns hasn’t released the full job description yet, a role in a local constituency office typically centers on Casework and Community Engagement. You aren’t just filing papers; you are the bridge between the government and the people of Rutland and Stamford and a few Leicestershire villages.

What You’ll Likely Be Doing:

Handling "casework," which involves helping constituents with issues ranging from housing and healthcare to immigration and local planning.

Drafting responses to residents, liaising with local councils, and potentially managing social media or newsletters.

Helping organise local surgeries (meetings where residents speak to the MP) and community visits.

Being that "super organised" person who keeps the diary moving and ensures no constituent's concern falls through the cracks.

Why Apply?

You get to see the immediate result of your work when a local issue is resolved.

The "Year-Long" Factor: This is likely a fixed-term contract (up to a year), making it an ideal "booster" for a CV, whether you’re a recent grad, changing careers, or looking for meaningful local work.

The Team: Described as a "lovely team," which is a huge plus in the high-pressure environment of politics.

Since more details are coming later this week, here is how you can get ahead:

Prepare your CV, Focus on "people skills" and instances where you took the initiative to solve a problem.

Research, Look into Alicia Kearns’ recent local campaigns. Knowing what she cares about (like the Rutland Memorial Hospital or local transport) will make you stand out.

Reach Out, If you're eager, there’s no harm in sending a polite introductory email to the address provided to express your interest ahead of the formal posting.

Contact Information:

• Address: 6 Market Street, Oakham, LE15 6DY

• Phone: 01572 360385

• Email: alicia.kearns.mp@parliament.uk

Are you looking to pivot into politics for the first time, or do you already have some experience in community advocacy?

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: 
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Rutland County Council New Cabinet Formed with an Eye on the Future

Rutland County Council New Cabinet Formed with an Eye on the Future

In a move designed to navigate a period of significant local government reform, Rutland County Council’s newly elected Leader, Christine Wise, has officially unveiled her Cabinet. The announcement follows her election at the March Full Council meeting and signals a strategic shift aimed at maximizing delivery for residents over the next two years.

The refreshed Cabinet structure isn't just about new faces; it's about alignment. Cllr Wise has emphasized that these portfolios have been reshaped to match the Council’s strategic priorities more closely and to ensure broader representation from Rutland’s Independent Group.

As the Cabinet is responsible for the majority of day-to-day decision-making, as well as the preparation of budgets and policies, these roles are pivotal to how the county functions.

The updated leadership team and their respective responsibilities are as follows:

Cllr Christine Wise Leader and Chair of Cabinet: Policy, Strategy, and Partnerships.

Cllr Andrew Johnson Deputy Leader, Governance and Resources: Finance, Digital, Law, HR, Audit, and Communications.

Cllr Paul Browne Planning: Planning Policy and Development Control.

Cllr Oliver Hemsley Environment and Transport: Highways, Sustainability, Climate Change, and Waste.

Cllr Rosemary Powell Economy and Place: Economic Development, Heritage, Community Safety, and Active Travel.

Cllr Diane Ellison Adults and Health: Adult Social Care, Public Health, Housing Options, and Homelessness.

Cllr Tim Smith Children, Families and Communities: Safeguarding, SEND and Inclusion, Learning, and Skills.

The timing of this Cabinet reshuffle is particularly critical. Cllr Wise noted that the next two years will be "unlike anything experienced in local government before," as the authority prepares for a wider merger of local councils throughout England.

The Leader outlined four core pillars that will define the Cabinet's success:

Strengthening the local economy to ensure Rutland remains a vibrant place to work and visit.

Supporting vulnerable people through robust social care and housing options.

Protecting the environment by focusing on sustainability and waste management.

Financial sustainability to ensure high-quality services remain viable.

The overarching goal of this new team is to ensure that Rutland’s interests are protected during the transition to any potential new authority. By "locking in" improvements now, the Council aims to ensure that the high standards of service delivery residents currently enjoy will endure long after the current administrative structure changes.

"The decisions we make are more important than ever if we are going to secure the best possible future," said Cllr Wise.

Residents interested in following the progress of the new Cabinet or viewing upcoming meeting agendas can find full details at www.rutland.gov.uk/meetings.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: 
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Resignation Calls and Criminal Allegations Rock Oakham Town Council

Resignation Calls and Criminal Allegations Rock Oakham Town Council

A deepening crisis has engulfed Oakham Town Council this week as a sitting councillor called for the immediate resignation of the Town Clerk and a fellow member following a dismissed police investigation. The fallout centers on allegations of "malicious" misconduct and the claimed filing of false reports, leaving the local authority’s reputation in a state of significant disrepair.

The controversy erupted after a Leicestershire Police investigation into a reported burglary at the Town Council building on February 18 was formally closed. In a letter sent to the resident who had been the subject of the report, police confirmed they had verified his attendance at a pre-booked meeting but stated, "At this time, I do not believe there is a need to speak with you in relation to this matter." The investigation, which spanned nearly six weeks, was concluded without charges.

In the wake of the closure, the resident filed a formal complaint against Town Clerk Chris Evans and Councillor Paul Ainsley. He alleges that Cllr Ainsley submitted a police report on behalf of Mr. Evans that he claims contained "false information" intended to mislead both the authorities and the public. According to the complaint, Mr. Evans was allegedly in possession of the facts before the report was made a claim the resident says can be corroborated by both a councillor and the Deputy Clerk.

The ramifications have already extended beyond the council’s walls. A national charity, which had been using the council building for its meetings, was reportedly contacted by police during the investigation. Citing the "potential embarrassment" allegedly caused by the ordeal, the charity has since moved its meetings elsewhere.

The pressure intensified when an Oakham Town Councillor speaking on the condition of anonymity regarding internal deliberations backed the resident's account. The councillor claimed that staff members had signaled there was "no burglary" from the beginning. They further alleged that the report was a "malicious act" prompted by the resident’s previous inquiries into works the resident believes were unauthorised.

"I have called for the resignation of the Clerk and Cllr Ainsley with immediate effect," the councillor stated, adding that the council must now issue the requested formal apology to the resident to mitigate potential legal exposure.

The situation has taken a potentially litigious turn. When the resident approached the Rutland County Council Monitoring Officer, the legal department responded by noting that while the conduct of a Clerk falls outside their remit, the allegations raised appeared to be criminal in nature. The resident has since confirmed he has reported both men to the police for alleged misconduct in public office and wasting police time.

As of today, Oakham Town Council is battling a narrative of dysfunction. The resident’s complaint warns that the council has been brought into disrepute. Both Mr. Evans and Cllr Ainsley were contacted for comment regarding the calls for their resignation and the allegations regarding the police report, but no formal response has been issued at the time of publication.

For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit: 

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Oakham Unites in Silent Witness and a Profound Good Friday in the Market Square, Easter Day Service Times across Rutland, video and photos

Oakham Unites in Silent Witness and a Profound Good Friday in the Market Square

In a display of ecumenical unity, residents gathered on the streets of Oakham this Good Friday for the annual Walk of Witness. The silent procession served as a poignant reminder of the solemnity of the day, bringing together various denominations in a shared moment of reflection.

The walk commenced at the Chapel of St John and St Anne, where a simple wooden cross was hoisted to lead the way. The procession wound through the town center,  

The walk culminated at the Buttercross. This year’s open-air service was led by Revd Tom Bowring, Senior Minister of Oakham Baptist Church. Revd Bowring delivered a moving address that touched upon themes of sacrifice, hope, and the strength found in community.

"In a world often fractured, standing here together at the cross reminds us of the love that binds us all," Revd Bowring told the gathered crowd.

The service included hymns and prayers. Following the blessing, the local tradition of fellowship continued as volunteers distributed hot cross buns and good news bibles to onlookers and participants alike, a small but significant gesture of grace shared with the whole community.

As the town prepares for the joy of Easter Sunday, the Walk of Witness remains a cornerstone of Rutland’s Holy Week, proving that the message of Good Friday continues to resonate deeply within the local spirit.

Easter Day Service Times across Rutland

Sunday, 5 April 2026

The following is a guide to the celebratory services taking place across the county this Easter Sunday.

Oakham & Central Rutland

All Saints, Oakham Easter Eucharist 10:30 am

Oakham Baptist Church Easter Celebration 10:30 am

St Joseph’s (Catholic) Easter Mass 9:00 am & 11:00 am

St Andrew, Hambleton Holy Communion 9:15 am

St Edmund, Egleton Holy Communion 9:15 am

All Saints, Braunston Easter Holy Communion 11:00 am

St Mary, Brooke Easter Day Service 11:00 am

Rutland Water Benefice

St Andrew, Ridlington Sunrise Dawn Service 6:00 am

St Peter, Empingham All Age Service 10:00 am

St Peter & St Paul, Wing Easter Holy Communion 9:30 am

St Mary, Manton Easter Holy Communion 11:00 am

St Peter & St Paul, Preston Family Prayer Service 11:00 am

St Mary, Edith Weston Easter Eucharist 11:00 am

Uppingham & Surrounding Villages

St Peter & St Paul, Uppingham Festal Eucharist 10:45 am

St George, Lyddington Easter Holy Communion 9:30 am

St Mary, Morcott Easter Day Service 11:00 am

St Mary, South Luffenham Easter Holy Communion 9:30 am

Please note: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, it is always advisable to check with individual parish websites or noticeboards for any last-minute changes to the schedule.

Photo Gallery

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