New job advertised in MP Lewell Buck's office '“ weeks after criticism for husband's role

South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck's Westoe Road office.

It was revealed in March that Simon Buck had been taken on as a part-time parliamentary assistant at Mrs Lewell-Buck’s constituency office, in Westoe Road, South Shields.

Now, the position of an administrative officer has been advertised at the office.

The position is three days per week, with a salary of £18,000 pro rata.

It is listed on Mrs Lewell-Buck’s website, and reveals that the new employee will carry out roles including handling administrative arrangements, managing and monitoring phonecalls.

Among the other responsibilities will be to open and send mail and attend visits with Mrs Lewell-Buck.

The closing date for applications is at 12pm on Friday, May 6, with interviews scheduled to be held the next week.

Mrs Lewell-Buck was unavailable for comment when contacted by the Gazette yesterday.

South Tyneside Tory councillor Jeff Milburn had raised questions about the appointment of Mr Buck, with MPs allowed to employ one ‘connected party’ – which can be a family member of spouse.

Coun Milburn, who represents the Cleadon and East Boldon wards, said: “I am aware that it’s fine for MPs to employ their spouses and many do, but I certainly didn’t see any jobs going at the MP’s office. I would be curious to know if it was advertised and if anyone else got an  interview apart from Mr Buck.”