James is a local primary school teacher and trade unionist in the National Education Union, where he campaigns against cuts to education funding. As a councillor for Goose Green since 2018, he has worked with local schools to ensure that there are safe and clean routes for children to walk, cycle and scoot. He is passionate about housing and is committed to building new council homes across Southwark. He is campaigning for better infrastructure in the local area, including a new Royal Mail sorting office for East Dulwich.