Having been brought up in Dalmellington and educated in Ayr, James is proud to have been chosen to represent the people of Ayr, Carrick & Cumnock for the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
James built his successful business from Ayrshire and is committed to working with the Lib Dems’ Vince Cable in supporting local businesses. By directing his energy, vision and passion James is dedicated to making Ayrshire a vibrant place to work and a better place to live.
As a community leader James co-founded the Kirkmichael Guitar Festival with his father Martin Taylor, and understands the people of Ayrshire deserve politicians who can help them realise their aspirations for the future. He believes that every child deserves a fair start and to grow up in a safe community.
James became involved in politics as a result of his opposition to the illegal war in Iraq and because of Labour’s erosion of civil liberties. As someone who grew up in the ex-mining town of Dalmellington in the early 80’s James saw first-hand the effects of a Tory government. However he is hopeful for a better future, a different way of doing things and believes a vote for the Lib Dems offers that fresh start.
Not being a career politician James brings a no-nonsense approach to getting big money and corrupt donors out of politics altogether, reducing the number of MPs by 150 and changing the voting system to abolish safe seats and giving you the right to sack corrupt MPs.
While building his business James studied and achieved an MBA through the Open University and was awarded the SD Southern Scholarship to attend the Richard Ivey Business School in Canada.
Married to Alison, a music industry lawyer, James enjoys long distance cycling (especially around the lochs of Scotland), reading and playing drums.
