James Wright is a farmer and agri-tech entrepreneur based on Exmoor. Most of James’ career has been spent working within the technology space helping to create dozens of jobs, raising millions for investment into research and innovation in the UK.
He started in 2015 as Director of Farming for an insect farming company which was revolutionising the animal feed space by converting food waste into poultry feed. Since 2018, James has worked for a software company heading up their product management and now as director for the UK & EU. The team consists of 32 people, mostly based in Somerset, the technology is used by 6,500 small businesses helping them to be more productive and profitable.
James joined the Conservative Party in 2008 and campaigned at the 2010 general election despite missing being old enough to vote by 16 days, James has dedicated much of his free time to the party since then, having served at almost every position within an association and taking on an active role campaigning now at 5 general elections and countless local elections.
Elected as a Councillor in 2019, James has championed for his ward securing investment in upgrading car parking, electric vehicle charging and starting a partnership with the police to stop anti-social behaviour.
In 2021, James became the council’s youngest-ever cabinet member in the councils 40-year history when he took on the portfolio for the Environment and Rural Affairs. He transformed the council’s environmental agenda, securing funding to hit the council’s Net Zero target by 2030 and over £1.6 million pounds of Levelling Up funding for businesses in the district. James built a partnership with a Wildlife Trust to produce a Nature Recovery Network, potentially linking up 1,000’s of acres of land for nature whilst supporting farmers incomes.
In 2023 James was asked to take on the South West Chairman's role for the Conservative Rural Forum, working across the party and nation to advocate rural businesses, towns and communities in government. At the 2024 general election James stood as the parliamentary candidate for Bath, where he cut the Liberal Democrat majority by 12% and beat the national swing by 5%.
James volunteered as a Chaplain for the Farmers Community Network, which is the equivalent of Samaritans for farmers. Visiting and supporting rural workers and farmers who have called the helpline through their toughest times. He is a governor at Petroc College in Devon, supporting apprentices, businesses and young people to achieve their best future.
James grew up in Somerset and farms beef and sheep on Exmoor in Devon with his wife. James and Isobel met through their local church and together they have two children. James attended Chichester University where he studied business and the Royal Agricultural University for a Postgraduate Certificate in Agriculture.