A lifelong liberal, Ben spent twenty years in the service of the Liberal Democrats, as Tim Farron’s Chief of Staff (2015-2017), Nick Clegg’s Special Adviser in the Government Whip’s Office for the duration of the Coalition (2010-2015), and Head of the Liberal Democrat Whip’s Office for twelve years (1998-2010), including under Paddy Ashdown. He also served as an elected councillor in Basildon, Essex, for fourteen years (1996-2010). Ben currently lives in York, where he manages the grants programme for the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, which focuses on non-charitable campaigns for political and democratic reform.
His political interests include parliamentary reform, democratic engagement, human rights, climate change and the natural environment, and international security and defence. His personal interests include choral singing, PC gaming, writing, and a broad range of musical interests from classical repertoire to thrash metal. He spends his spare time walking in the Yorkshire countryside.