Ben Nicholls

http://www.libdems.org.uk/ben_nicholls

Ben Nicholls
Romsey and Southampton North

Ben, 26, was born in Stoke-on-Trent but moved to Southampton aged twelve. His father worked at Southampton University for many years, whilst his mother and sister still teach locally. After school in nearby Winchester, Ben studied for a music degree at Cambridge University. He then began his career in the civil service, working on education and child protection issues, before spending two years as a cross-party adviser on education in Parliament. He is currently a senior manager in one of the country’s largest colleges, where he is responsible for communications, policy and public affairs.

A dedicated supporter of the voluntary sector, Ben is founder and chair of RicNic, a youth theatre charity which he has run for the past ten years. RicNic has its largest branch in Hampshire and provides free-of-charge opportunities for young people of all backgrounds to explore the creative arts through innovative summer projects. Ben is also a primary school governor and a trustee of another arts charity, and has volunteered with a number of organisations and projects over the years.

As a campaigner, Ben’s focus is on issues which give local people genuine control over their own lives, and on making society a fairer place for us all. Having worked with some of the country’s most disadvantaged people, Ben has a particular passion for education and improving outcomes for young people, and for ensuring adequate support for those who need it most. He is particularly proud that the Lib Dems have brought genuine freedom and fairness to Government through raising the personal tax allowance.

Away from work, volunteering and campaigning, Ben is a keen musician, though with rapidly decreasing levels of skill! He has sung with a number of local groups including the Romsey Abbey Choir. He is also a keen walker with a vested interest in protecting the beautiful constituency countryside.