James Connal.

James founded JC Strategy in March 2008 following eight years working at the highest levels of international politics and corporate life. He has used his experience to provide advice to the Government of Georgia and the charity, Save the Children, on UK child poverty issues.

From 2004 – 2007 James was Special Adviser to Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP, providing strategic, political and presentational advice to the Minister in his capacities as Defence Secretary, Leader of the House of Commons and Europe Minister. His tenure covered sensitive issues such as the aftermath of the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, UK relations with Russia, the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the EU and the run-up to the Lisbon Treaty on EU Reform. He briefed and accompanied the Minister on visits to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and numerous states in Eastern Europe and the CIS. He worked closely with political lobby journalists and was also the Minister's speechwriter.

James was the Defence spokesman for the Labour Party during the 2005 General Election campaign and drafted sections of the defence chapter of the election manifesto.

James was recruited from Government in 2007 by Lord Browne, the former BP Chief Executive and well known green energy investor, and became his chief adviser and speechwriter. James was based at the investment firm, Apax, where he went on to become Head of Public Affairs. In this role he provided political advice to dealmakers to ensure they were fully aware of their obligations in terms of workers rights, pension funds and the environment. He drafted speeches, including on the merits of investing in green energy.

James also had top level business experience at the beginning of his career, working from 2000 – 2004 James as chief adviser to Lord Stevenson, the then Chairman of two FTSE 100 companies.

James has a good understanding of trade union and industrial issues, and served as an elected member of the Regional Political Committee of his union, Amicus, from 2006 – 2009.

James sits on the board of the Atlantic Council, a body created to explain NATO's role, co-opted by the President and former NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the British Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

James has been selected by the French Government to take part in the prestigious "personnalité d'avenir" programme in 2010. He will be undertaking research in Paris on how the French Government responded to the global recession, and will be meeting senior political, trade union and business figures.

James was an elected member of the Fabian Society executive from 2001-2004.

James has a First Class degree in Politics from Warwick University and an M.Phil from Pembroke College, Cambridge University.

Contact - james@jcstrategy.co.uk

A profile of James appeared in Esquire Esquire magazine in June 2009.