James Cousins

James was born in Lincolnshire but moved to London after graduating from university. He had no idea where in London he wanted to live, but when he found Battersea he knew that was where he wanted to make his home.

James read law at university, most crucially learning that he did not want to pursue a legal career, and since then has led a varied life. He started in the City working in regulation and compliance (leaving in 2003, so he’s not one of the evil bankers), before deciding to seek a new challenge and moving to London Underground. When there he led the team responsible for the £1 billion annual fare revenue. Since 2007 he has been a freelance consultant drawing on his experience of the private and public sector.

He was first elected to Wandsworth in 1998 and since then has held a number of positions, currently the Executive Member for Regeneration & Community Safety.

Amid all that he met a southerner who was prepared to put up with his many evenings spent at the town hall and the fact he was a northerner. Jess and James married in 2006 and live on the Shaftesbury Park Estate with their first child.

In his spare time he is loyal to his roots as a supporter, or sufferer, of Grimsby Town FC, and enjoys running – in Battersea Park and along the riverside – though not often enough to counter the effects of his love of food and drink!