James was born and raised in the constituency of Brecon and Radnorshire. Brought up on the family farm, James holds a passion for the outdoors and agriculture, seeking to protect the valuable role industry plays in providing jobs in the constituency. James’ teenage years were spent in the Young Farmers Union, where he built an appetite for the role of policy and its influence on rural communities. James decided not to follow the traditional political career route, choosing not to go to University and instead learn through work experience after graduating high school.
In 2017 James was elected as a County Councillor for the Gwernyfed Ward later becoming a Cabinet Member in Powys County Council. In May 2021 James was elected to the Senedd/Welsh Parliament as a Member Brecon and Radnorshire, winning the seat from the Welsh Liberal Democrats. The first Welsh Conservative MS for this constituency, he currently holds the portfolio of Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Mid Wales. He also sits on the Children, Young People and Education Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee.
In previous positions, he has held the role of Policy Director for the Welsh Conservative group in the Welsh Parliament, where he aimed to develop support for Wales to lead on assisted dying legislation in the United Kingdom. He now focusses his work via portfolio obligations. More recently, he has been a vocal advocate for reforming the internal mechanisms of the Welsh Parliament, calling for a more codified system to address transparency and accountability. The creation of a privileges committee has been one suggestion. He’s a passionate advocate for strengthening democratic governance in Wales which seeks to address poor levels of electoral turn out.
A keen rugby player, he's proud to have captained the second team with Gwernyfed Rugby Club. A passionate Conservative, championing the fantastic communities across Brecon and Radnorshire, James is committed to improving the lives of residents through politics. Over the past ten years he has campaigned far and wide, from Ystradgynlais in the South, Presteigne in the East, Llandrindod Wells in the North down to Crickhowell in the South.
