Iain Malcolm served for over ten years as the Senior Research and Policy Officer to Alan Donnelly MEP, former Leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party. Within a broad remit that covered: speech writing; constituency casework; media relations; and organising Alan's political diary - Iain was instrumental in helping to establish the Labour Party's commitment to the North East of England through various economic and social forums. This would include regular contact with key public and private sector partners.

Iain was appointed Special Advisor to the Co-operative Commission that was launched by The Prime Minister in January 2000: tasked with examining the future of the Co-operative Movement within the UK and producing a final Report with a wide range of recommendations by January 2001.

In public office, Iain was elected to South Tyneside Council in May 1988 and was the former Chairman of its Finance Committee; he also served as Chairman of the North East Purchasing Organisation.

In May 2008 Councillor Iain Malcolm was appointed as Leader of South Tyneside Council. He is Chairman of the Local Authority Holding Company at Newcastle International Airport and a Director of LACoRS. He has also been a member of the European Committee of Regions.