Political and Community Activism
Political experience
Candidacy - As a European Parliamentary Candidate for the South West of England and Gibraltar in 2009, I campaigned across the region and visited neglected areas, supported work in target seats and spoke before numerous Conservative associations and groups, community groups and schools and colleges. I took an active role in the 2008 cross-party I Want a Referendum campaign, acting as the Gloucestershire wide contact.
The 2009 European Parliamentary Campaign
The 2009 Team of Conservative MEPs and European Parliamentary Candidates
The South West Team of MEPs and European Parliamentary Candidates with Eric Pickles MP, Chairman of the Conservative Party
Campaigning for a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty at a mass lobby of Parliament
A lovely day campaigning in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Over the course of the 15 month campaign, I practically lived in my car!
Visiting an affordable housing development in South East Cornwall
Campaigning in North Devon
Lending my support to a campaign in Bristol North West to save our post offices
Campaigning in Stroud, Gloucestershire
Speaking at a fundraising dinner in West Dorset
Celebrating St George’s Day in Torquay, Devon with Albert Poggio, the UK Representative of the Gibraltar Government
With Julie Girling MEP at the electoral count in Poole, Dorset – 3 Conservative MEPs were elected
Delivering leaflets in Frome, Somerset as part of the local and national I Want a Referendum Campaign
Advisory - Between 2007 and 2009, I acted as an Advisor and Researcher to Andrew Mitchell MP for Sutton Coldfield and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, a Researcher to Margot James, Vice-Chair of the Conservative Party for Women and Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Stourbridge and a Project Manager (External Relations) within Conservative Campaign Headquarters. I have also advised the Shadow Cabinet, senior MPs and officials on the arts, diversity issues, youth affairs and foreign policy and am a member of the Advisory Board to the Conservative Candidates’ Network.
A coach from the West Country arrives to help in the Crewe and Nantwich by-election
Voluntary - I am actively involved in the voluntary side of the party. As a child, my family would campaign for our then local Conservative MP, Paul Marland. I am an active member of my local Conservative association in the Forest of Dean where I sit on the Executive Committee and act as a Political Advisor to the Management. I have helped in countless electoral campaigns in the South West of England, key by-elections (most recently Crewe and Nantwich and Norwich North) and on important issue-led campaigns such as saving our post office network, buying locally sourced food, supporting small businesses and standing firm against the introduction of ID cards and the erosion of our civil liberties.
Speaking, writing and media work – I have written for numerous think tanks, Conservative groups and national publications on policy. I enjoy public speaking and am always willing to support Conservative Associations, schools, universities, charities and voluntary groups by speaking at a political lunch or dinner.
Community, Charity and other Voluntary Work
I have undertaken community and charity work since my youth.
Volunteering during the Gloucestershire floods of 2007
Volunteering during the Gloucestershire floods of 2007
International Development – I have undertaken work for a number of organisations including the British Council and UNICEF and in areas as diverse as access to justice, governance, gender, humanitarian work, HIV & AIDS and health. In 2005, helped set up an international development charity focussed on education and training and served as its Vice-President. At the time of the 2005 Asian earthquake, I galvanised donations, delivered relief supplies and helped out at a triage centre at a collapsing block of flats.
Charity work - I have fundraised for the Leukaemia Care Society and volunteered throughout the years for a number of charities. During the 2007 Gloucestershire floods, I was part of a Conservative Party led effort to distribute clean water throughout the area. I am currently a trustee of the Forest Voluntary Action Forum (the volunteer sector support agency for the Forest of Dean) and a school governor at a Gloucester grammar school.
Youth Engagement – I have undertaken substantial work in the area of youth affairs. I have acted as a Consultant to the Young Foundation on its “Uprising” programme to get more youth involved in politics and to create a generation of future leaders. I have also assisted the Citizenship Foundation on its “Young Ideas in Europe” programme to inform young people about the workings of Europe.