James has lived in North Oxford for over 40 years. He has represented Walton Manor on the City Council since 2012, and in 2024 he won the largest majority in the whole city. In 2025, he became the County Councillor for Summertown & Walton Manor in addition to his existing role as a City Councillor.
After teaching Economics at Magdalen College, James founded a large consultancy specialising in the economics of agriculture.
A former Lord Mayor, James chairs many Council committees, notably those scrutinising the City’s finances and budget. Locally he chairs the St Margaret’s Area Society and the Canal Festival. Since 2012, he has managed North Parade market, where he holds his ward surgery.