About James
I was raised in a single parent family until my mother married my adopted father. My mum is a dinner lady and my dad is a security guard.
I went to an ordinary school and through hard work and support from my family, I was lucky enough to go on to one of the best sixth forms in the country. I then went on to study Economic and Social History at the University of York. After graduating with honours I was elected Students' Union President.
I now work as a project and outreach officer at York St John University, encouraging people to go to university whatever their background.
I am a local Councillor and do my best to stand up for local people, whether that is getting drains unblocked, saving local parks from Council sell off or making sure the streets are clean.
I do not come from a political family and I am rather pleased that I don't. My upbringing has guided the formation and course of my political convictions. My political convictions are borne from the values of ordinary decent people and my own experience. I really do want to make a difference.
I want to live in a society where a person's talents and hard work will determine where they get to in life.