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Ben WrightAccount ExecutiveBen joined Connect from local government in London, where he advised a group of 21 Liberal Democrat councillors in one of the Olympic host boroughs, providing policy guidance to cabinet members and leading press and communications work.He previously worked as a Parliamentary Analyst for DeHavilland Political Intelligence after a spell working in the parliamentary office of Liberal Democrat MP Adrian Sanders. In both of these roles Ben took a particular interest in Culture, Media and Sport portfolio issues and, in his parliamentary role, ensured national media coverage for the member’s work on funding for UK tourism. Ben graduated with a Politics degree from the University of Essex, where he completed a dissertation studying the practical implications of electoral reform and proportional representation in New Zealand. He worked in the ministerial office of a Labour MP whilst conducting his research in the country. Ben recently completed an MSc in Politics and Communication from the London School of Economics, where he studied with leading campaign practitioners from the UK and the United States. Ben has worked with a variety of regeneration and local government clients in his time at Connect, and is currently leading the campaigns and communications function for the Thames Gateway London Partnership as part of a full-time secondment. This has involved the production and implementation of a contact and advocacy programme involving private sector stakeholders and politicians at both local and government level. |
Q: Where were you born?
I am a proud East Anglian, born in Colchester, Essex.
Q: What are your academic achievements?
I am currently completing a Masters degree in Politics and Communication at the London School of Economics. I previously gained a BA(Hons) in Politics from the University of Essex.
Q: What sparked your interest in politics?
A childhood interest in colourful electoral maps and a visit by the local Mayor (and now local MP) Bob Russell to my primary school.
Q: What motivates you?
Curiosity.
Q: Proudest moment?
Taking my family on a tour of parliament during my time working there.
Q: Which political person do you most admire?
Paddy Ashdown is a fantastic political communicator who I still believe has an enormously valuable, and perhaps underutilised, intellect.
Q: How do you relax?
Reading, spending time with friends and family and following my beloved Colchester United around the country. The last of these is not always so relaxing.
Q: When are you happiest?
On holiday in the U.S with my girlfriend.
Q: Favourite political book?
All Too Human by George Stephanopolous.
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
In a former life I was the drummer in a band which recorded two John Peel sessions for BBC Radio 1.
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