Meet the policy team
Tom Laing
Tom joined Co-operatives UK in 2022, having graduated with a first-class degree in politics. Tom has existed in and around the co-operative policy sphere for several years, serving on various committees including a term as National Co-ordinator for the Young Fabians. As Policy Officer, Tom works with our members to influence public policy and to help ensure Government supports the proliferation of new co-operatives across the economy. Outside of work Tom enjoys reading and activism. They also currently serve as a Labour and Co-operative Councillor in Wirral and continue to complete their MA dissertation research into the Co-operative Party.
James Wright
James joined Co-operatives UK in 2013 as a Policy Officer and has worked his way up to the role of Policy and Development Lead - and is also a member of our Leadership Team (LT). Prior to Co-operatives UK he worked with credit unions, as a student housing case worker and for a housing association. James has been convinced of the need for more just, sustainable and democratic businesses since studying politics at university in the early 2000s. A belief in the benefits of mutualism is a family tradition. James leads our efforts to influence government policy, in order to create better conditions for co-op formation and growth. Outside of work James has a toddler to look after, loves to cycle everywhere and gets about 5 minutes a day to mess about on a guitar.