Cllr James Smith
Deputy Leader of the Council
Biography
James Smith is a Conservative councillor for Old Town County, serving from 2026 to 2030. A long-time resident with a deep-seated passion for his community, James spent his career in public administration, which gave him a front-row seat to the challenges of local governance. His political focus is on Social Services, specifically improving the quality of care for the elderly and ensuring that social workers are not overwhelmed by the increasing caseloads. James views the transition to the Borsetshire Unitary Authority with a mixture of hope and caution, advocating for a "local-first" approach to social care that doesn't lose the human touch in a larger bureaucracy.
Beyond the council chamber, James is a pillar of the local historical society and believes that understanding Old Town County’s past is key to planning its future. He is often seen walking his dog through the local parks, where he is happy to stop and chat with residents about their concerns. He is committed to ensuring that the budget for social services is protected during the upcoming structural changes, fearing that administrative consolidation might lead to service gaps for the most vulnerable.
Councillor Surgery
Location
Community Hall
Surgery Times
Community Hall, 1st Thurs of month, 17:00-18:30
Book an Appointment
No appointment necessary
Committee Memberships
Representation on Outside Bodies
Party History
| Party Name | Period | Municipal Year | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | Current |
Ward History
| Ward Name | Period | Municipal Year | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old town county | Current |
Committee History
| Committee Name | Period | Municipal Year | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The 2026 Jubilee and Parish Legacy Select Committee (Member) | From: 2026-05-12 | 2026 | Current | |
| Housing & Planning (Member) | From: 2026-05-11 | 2025 | Current |
Gifts & Hospitality Register
Gifts and hospitality with an estimated value of £50 or more must be registered within 28 days of receipt in accordance with the Localism Act 2011.
| Date Received | Donor Name | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 12, 2025 | Sarah Jenkins | Three-course dinner and drinks | £85.00 |
Attendance Record
Last 6 Months
Last 12 Months
All Time
| Date | Committee | Meeting | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 6, 2027 | The 2026 Jubilee and Parish Legacy Select Committee | The 2026 Jubilee and Parish Legacy Select Committee - Tuesday, 06 April 2027 | Absent |
| July 21, 2026 | The 2026 Jubilee and Parish Legacy Select Committee | The 2026 Jubilee and Parish Legacy Select Committee - Tuesday, 21 July 2026 | Absent |
| June 30, 2026 | The 2026 Jubilee and Parish Legacy Select Committee | The 2026 Jubilee and Parish Legacy Select Committee - Tuesday, 30 June 2026 | Present |
| June 2, 2026 | The 2026 Jubilee and Parish Legacy Select Committee | The 2026 Jubilee and Parish Legacy Select Committee - Tuesday, 02 June 2026 | Apologies |
| May 12, 2026 | The 2026 Jubilee and Parish Legacy Select Committee | The 2026 Jubilee and Parish Legacy Select Committee - Tuesday, 12 May 2026 | Present |