Lucas has lived in Stroud since 1984 and has worked locally as a herdsman and heating engineer as well as being involved in many initiatives set up to address social and economic needs.

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These include WATNOT recycling, Lansdown Hall, Five Valleys Foyer, The Exchange social enterprise centre and Oakbrook Community Farm.

In his professional life Lucas works with housing associations, community interest companies and individuals to help them meet their challenges. He believes that communities should work for everyone, and that we all play a part in co-creating truly fair societies. Local solutions should be found to local needs, through working with other local people.

Lucas believes in progressive local solutions such as credit unions, community focused affordable housing, and co-housing projects. He is sceptical about corporate solutions, such as the Gloucester incinerator, nuclear power and major road-building.

He is a campaigner for the pressure group Make Votes Matter, which aims to replace the current unfair First Past the Post system with proportional representation, where every vote counts.

Lucas has five grown-up children and lives with his partner in Trinity, the ward he has represented as a town councillor since 2011. His hobbies include singing in a community choir, gardening, and exploring the British Isles. If elected to Stroud District Council, Lucas would replace John Marjoram, who is retiring after 35 years as a councillor.