James became the first ever Conservative elected to
Rhondda Cynon Taf Country Borough Council in 2008. Prior to his election to the Senedd, James stood for election for the
Pontypridd constituency in 2011, 2016 and 2021, a seat long held by
Welsh Labour. In 2021 he was also placed second on the
South Wales Central regional list, behind leader
Andrew RT Davies. They were both elected. Later that month, he was appointed to the
Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Social Partnership a portfolio that covers many issues such as; public services (including community fire safety), the Wales and Africa programme, Coal tip policy and the promotion of sustainable development. In December 2024, he was moved to a shadow portfolio covering children, young people, mental health and wellbeing by new Welsh Conservative leader
Darren Millar. After the defection of
Laura Anne Jones in July 2025, he was moved to the role of Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Housing, replacing Jones. James still represents the ward of
Efail Isaf on Llantwit Fardre Community Council, but left Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, after not contesting the 2022 local elections. He previously sat on the petitions committee and the Local Government and Housing Committee. He is also involved in a number of different Cross-Party Groups, and is the chair of the Liver Disease and Liver Cancer Cross-Party Group in the Senedd. James will contest
Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf in the
next Senedd election. == Political views ==