James became a member of Lewisham Deptford Conservatives in May 2016 after leaving the Army and returning from Dubai. He ran as a candidate in a local by election in Evelyn in October and was voted in as Chairman of Lewisham Conservatives in March 2017.
During his tenure as Chairman the membership went from a low of 47 to a thirty year high of approximately 131, with regular events each month. The Executive was broadened to include Ward Captains, in an effort to reach out better to the members with good results. There was more engagement with members both electronically and in person – the Lewisham Deptford Conservative Association appointed a Conservative Women’s Organisation lead and a Young Conservatives lead and held drinks receptions at both of the last two Party Conferences.
James also ran for the Labour dominated local Council in Crofton Park ward in 2018 and was heavily involved in supporting the Lewisham East Parliamentary By-Election. He was also involved in talks with the other two Lewisham Association’s about the possibility of becoming a Federation. In March 2019 James stepped down to become Deputy Chairman Membership. Membership has increased to 181 and with the new Executive Lewisham Conservatives continue to campaign actively in their own boundaries and around the country.
Lewisham Deptford is a challenging but rewarding constituency to go campaigning in. For more information or if you would like to join the Association, please go here.