James is a currently an engineer and group leader at Rolls-Royce. He went to school in West Bridgford in Nottingham before studying at Birmingham University, graduating in 2001 with a degree in Physics with Astrophysics. He has gone on to use his degree, working in scientific software and analysis; initially working for a consulting firm in Oxfordshire. It was whilst living and working in Oxfordshire that he joined the Liberal Democrats. In 2006, he returned to the East Midlands to work at Rolls-Royce. During a successful career at Rolls-Royce he has worked primarily in analysis and design, solving complex problems, and after being promoted to a first line people leader, coaching, supervising and mentoring other members of staff, whilst coordinating and delivering projects of significant size and difficulty. He is confident presenting on any complexity of topic from simple managerial techniques to complex technical papers. He has been a union Health and Safety rep and through this, he developed an interest in the Law culminating in the achievement of a masters in law at the Open University, whilst still working full-time. This reflects a passion for learning and education and reflects his commitment to the Liberal Democrats policy to give every adult the opportunity to upskill with a lifelong learning account. His law masters covered topics such Business and Human Rights Law, International Law, and Criminal Psychology. James chose the area of Hate Crime and Equality Legislation for his dissertation, particularly concentrating on alternative subcultures, which as a self-identifying punk was close to his heart. James' punk appearance reflects his taste in music as much as it does his belief that people should be allowed to express themselves in their appearance and not be disadvantaged for identifying with a subculture. Indeed his interest in politics and love of political punk have shaped his life, he met his partner Lizzy at a punk gig in 2009 the day before taking part in a climate change march. His commitment to fighting climate change has extended into his dietary choices and he has been a vegan since 2007. He has also fitted solar panels and moved from gas heating to an electric heat pump at his home, in Long Eaton, and drives an electric car. Perhaps unsurprising then that he is also a member of the Green Liberal Democrats. He can be found walking with Lizzy and their two border collie dogs in the parks and green spaces of Erewash or along the canal or riverside path most evenings. | 
