James is a freelance musician living in Balcombe.

Full statement

He is the Choir Director at Holy Trinity, Hurstpierpoint, as well as a composer and theatre musical director. He is a passionate advocate for the arts and committed to creating inclusive creative and cultural opportunities, something he has worked towards in recent years as an arts charity trustee.

Previously a full-time teacher, he has an understanding of the specific challenges facing parents and teachers, particularly in the area of SEND provision. He has run outreach projects to several primary and secondary schools and has experienced first-hand the need for better funding and facilities, particularly in supporting the facilitation of individual skills and interests.

His professional training includes Keeping Children Safe in Education and other aspects of child safety and protection, first aid and fire safety, and courses on ADHD, mental wellbeing in children and young people, and online safety.

“I’m standing as the Green Party candidate for Worth Forest because I care deeply about our community and the future we’re building together here in West Sussex. Too often, local voices are overlooked while decisions are made without enough focus on long-term sustainability or the everyday needs of residents. I want to change that by championing practical, people-focused solutions—protecting our local environment, improving transport links, supporting community services, and ensuring development works for everyone. I believe in listening to residents, so that together we can create a healthier, fairer, and more resilient Worth Forest.”