James joined Demos in April 2010 to work on the Progressive Conservatism Project. James has degrees in Modern Languages and Political Science, graduating from UCL and Cambridge respectively. He is a former professional rugby player with London Wasps, Stade Rochelais and Saracens as well as a double rugby blue from Cambridge University.

James is hugely interested in finance and the way in which micro-finance initiatives, very much part of the Progressive Conservative vision, can be put in place to benefit the poor. The implementation of social impact bonds, the promotion of social venture capital and the availability of innovative financial instruments of societal benefit, are among his primary research interests.