James Wright is a farmer, father, and agri-tech entrepreneur. He believes Britain needs fewer career politicians and more Members of Parliament who have built businesses, worked the land, and faced real-world challenges. Living on Exmoor, James has spent his career, creating jobs, driving innovation, and championing the rural economy.
Most of James’ professional life has been dedicated to growing businesses and supporting rural communities. He began in 2015 as Director of Farming for an insect protein company pioneering sustainable animal feed. Since 2018, leading a UK and EU business with their software now supporting over 6,500 small businesses to improve productivity and profitability.
A lifelong Conservative campaigner, James joined the party at age 16 and has been active in every election since. He has served in multiple roles within local associations and was elected as a councillor in 2019. As the council’s youngest-ever cabinet member, he delivered investment in local businesses, and infrastructure, and reduced costs and regulation. Including securing £1.6 million in Levelling Up funding and launching a Nature Recovery Network to thousands of acres to produce food and conserve the environment.
James is the Director of Policy of the Conservative Rural Forum, advocating for rural businesses, towns, and communities nationally. In the 2024 general election, he stood as the parliamentary candidate for Bath, where he reduced the Liberal Democrat majority by 12% and outperformed the national swing by 5%.
Beyond politics, James is deeply committed to his local community. He has volunteered as a Chaplain for the Farmers’ Community Network, supporting farmers through crisis, and served as a governor at Petroc College, helping young people and apprentices gain the skills they need for the future.
James grew up in Somerset and now farms beef and sheep on Exmoor with his wife, Isobel, and their three children. They met through their local church and share a passion for rural life. James attended Chichester University where he studied business and the Royal Agricultural University for a Postgraduate Certificate in Agriculture.
If you want to get in touch with James, you can email him at [email protected]