Ambassadors | Conservative Environment Network

CEN Ambassador Programme

Our ambassador programme is designed to support our work promoting conservative environmentalism among grassroots supporters.

We offer ways for our ambassadors to get involved with our work, feed into our campaigns, and shape our supporter network.

We already have a network of ambassadors but we recruit new ambassadors to our programme all year round, so we welcome applications at any time. Please see below more details about the role and how to apply.

Who are we looking for:

We are seeking well-connected ambassadors of all ages and backgrounds within the conservative movement based across the country who are passionate about the environment.

A good understanding of conservative politics and enthusiasm for environmental policies is required but ambassadors do not need to be Conservative Party members.

As a forum, we welcome diverse views, discussion and disagreement, but ambassadors are required to agree with our principles and support ambitious environmental action.

What CEN offers ambassadors:

We offer our ambassadors priority invites to in-person events hosted by CEN, including our exclusive quarterly drink receptions. We also list our ambassadors on our website and publish their blogs.

We hold virtual meetings every four months with ambassadors to update them on our work, get their feedback and suggestions, and ask for their advice on future supporter events. Ambassadors will be able to help shape our grassroots programme.

We also host an annual away day, including dinner and drinks, for ambassadors, where they can discuss environmental policy and review CEN’s campaigns and grassroots work. The day will include talks from interesting speakers.

What we ask of ambassadors:

We would like ambassadors to be at the heart of our growing supporter network, helping to bring conservatives together to discuss environmental policy and promote more ambitious action within the conservative movement. We ask that ambassadors support this work by helping CEN with events, recruitment, representation and feedback.

Events:
- Advertising and attending CEN’s supporter and councillor events on social media, WhatsApp groups, and their grassroots contacts.
- Assist CEN in engaging the conservative movement in their area by letting us know about regional conferences or other grassroots opportunities.
- Support CEN in drafting invitee lists for regional events we hold.
Recruitment:
- Aim to sign up twenty supporters and councillors a year.
Represent:

- Represent CEN at local conservative events, please let us know, and we can provide resources.

Feedback:

- Provide feedback on our grassroots work, make recommendations and contribute to our campaigns.

We will support all ambassadors to deliver these commitments and review the programme every year.

Terms:

Ambassadors are not media spokespeople for CEN so we ask that they do not make broadcast appearances in relation to their role with us. If ambassadors do wish to write an article or blog as an ambassador for an external organisation, we ask that they show us the piece in advance.

We also ask that ambassadors agree to the principles outlined in the CEN supporter network pledge and a code of conduct as a requirement of joining the programme.

We ask that ambassadors remain engaged in the programme for as long as they are an ambassador. Ambassadors who do not attend the virtual ambassador meetings for a year will be assumed to have left the programme.

How to apply:

We recruit new ambassadors to our programme all year round, so we welcome applications at any time.

You can apply by filling out and submitting the application form on our website. We will endeavour to respond to your application as soon as possible.

Please contact our Outreach Manager Isabel if you have any questions.

Apply now

Meet our ambassadors

Max Austin

Max has been an Ambassador for CEN since 2021, focusing on developing CEN's network amongst the 180 diplomatic missions in the UK. Max works in climate policy as Director of the Mission Zero Coalition and served as Political Advisor to the chair of the UK's Independent Net Zero Review, The Rt Hon Chris Skidmore OBE MP. Max is a Councillor for Wimbledon Village, elected in May 2022, and chairs the Young Conservative European Forum.

Samer Bagaeen

Samer Bagaeen is a Technical Director in Town Planning and Stakeholder Capability in the Environmental Planning team at Arcadis and Professor of Planning & Resilient Systems at the University of Kent. Samer is an elected Trustee of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). He is a Design Council Expert (Specialist, Resilience) and a member of the Kent Housing and Development Group. He was first elected as a Councillor in Brighton and Hove in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.

Rajhkeran Balakrishan

Rajhkeran is an active member of the Conservative Party and the Harrow East Conservative Association, where he advocates for policies that integrate environmental sustainability with market-driven approaches. With a Masters in Public Health from Imperial College, he is well-versed in the connections between environmental issues and public health. His recent engagement with the 2024 CEN Academy has deepened his interest in advancing nuclear energy and improving the quality of river ecosystems.

Bertie Ballinger

Bertie works as an IT manager in Worcester and has a strong interest in all things environmental, but likes to focus on protecting and improving local nature reserves, brook and rivers from urban expansion and pollution.

Tom Bradley

Tom is a Director at Cavendish Consulting, where he leads on energy and decarbonisation policy work. Prior to joining Cavendish, Tom ran public affairs work for the UK’s largest gas distribution network and prior to that worked in consultancy advising on government net-zero policy. Tom was a Conservative parliamentary candidate at the last general election, and currently serves as a Parish Councillor in the Cotswolds. He is Deputy Chairman of one of the country’s largest Conservative Associations and is an executive member of Gloucestershire Conservatives.

Harry Briggs

Harry is the founder of Terra Instinct; a sustainability advisory firm working with listed investment funds and private equity to measure their impact and comply with sustainability regulations as well as hosting a biodiversity net gain trading platform. Previously Harry was a director of sustainability at KPMG and worked with Accounting for Sustainability, part of the King Charles III Charitable Fund. Harry has been a Borough Councillor and Conservatives Abroad representative.

Phil Broadhead

Phil Broadhead is the Leader of Local Government for the Conservative Party, as Chairman of the Conservative Councillors’ Association (CCA). The CCA represents the country’s Conservative councillors, and regularly does joint work with CEN. Phil is a Regional Peer for the Local Government Association and was also the Leader of BCP Council until 2023, where he now serves as Leader of the Opposition. During his time leading BCP, he helped oversee many of their environmental accolades – such as being one of the first major councils to introduce an electric bin fleet.

Henry Brooks

Henry founded Tatton Estate Management Ltd in 2012 to deliver a wide range of innovative initiatives. With a long family involvement in stewardship and land management, Henry has built teams to deliver projects maximising social, economic, and environmental benefits, passionate about opportunities to deliver truly beautiful, mixed-use and net zero placemaking that provide “win-wins”. He has served on Cheshire Business Leaders, Country Land & Business Association (the CLA) and Cheshire & Warrington LEP committees.

Cody Butler

Cody is a second-year student at the University of East Anglia, studying for a BA (Hons) in International Relations and Politics. He stood as a councillor candidate in the Norwich local elections and currently serves as the campaign officer for the University of East Anglia Conservative Association. Cody is also a spokesperson for the Conservative Friends of Neurodiversity. He is passionate about green conservatism and the promotion of innovative, climate-friendly technologies, such as Seabins. Additionally, he advocates for reducing unnecessary bureaucracy that hinders the development of sustainable solutions.

John Cope

Born to a 14-year-old girl on a Doncaster council estate, John spent time in foster care before being adopted. It’s this start in life that led him to dedicate his career to education, social justice, and apprenticeships. He is currently Executive Director at UCAS, as well as a local councillor in Walton and parliamentary candidate for Esher & Walton where he’s cajoled the administration into taking net zero and climate change more seriously as Leader of the Opposition. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @john_cope.

Elise Coxhead

Elise is passionate about the environment, shaped by her work with an MP on key initiatives. In education, she actively advocated for positive change and the greater good. As a CEN ambassador, she is committed to promoting sustainable solutions and environmental stewardship.

Rory Delap

Hailing from Belfast, Rory wants to work with people from all political backgrounds to help them understand that in 2024 there is no reason why free market capitalism and pragmatic green policies should be considered as opposing forces. Rory is a Law and Business graduate from University College Dublin.

Joseph Dwyer

Joseph grew up in the countryside and has a keen interest in how humans and the environment interact. His main environmental interests are agriculture, wildlife conservation, and energy. Through CEN, Joseph wants to move environmentalism back up the conservative agenda.

Alex Elliott

Alex is a student at Brasenose College studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He is a Deputy Returning Officer in the Oxford University Conservative Association, and stood as a candidate for Carfax and Jericho in the 2024 local elections. He is inspired by the work of CEN in achieving market-oriented solutions to issues facing the climate, and wants to further its work as an ambassador.

Grace Gbadamosi

Grace is a final-year Politics and Economics student at the LSE, with a focus on political economy. Grace is the Deputy Chairman of Finance and Memberships for the Erith and Thamesmead Conservative Association, managing financing and increasing donations and membership. Additionally, she is active member in the Black Tories and Anti-Poverty Conservatives As a CEN Ambassador, she aims to use social media to connect with young conservatives who care about climate issues and to highlight how conservative values can drive meaningful environmental action. Additionally, she advocates for increasing private markets and investments in sustainability.

Oliver Gibson

Oliver is a former constituency staffer currently serving as a Deputy Chair of the Halifax Conservative Association. He first became involved with CEN's work at the inaugural CEN Academy in 2022, building skills in climate comms and policy before starting his MA in Political Communication at the University of Leeds. He stood in the 2024 local elections and previously wrote articles on local and regional politics for a local digital news service during his undergraduate studies.

Jonny Goff

Jonny works in strategic communications and previously worked in the European Parliament for a Conservative MEP and is currently Deputy Chairman of Queen's Park and Maida Vale Conservative Association. Jonny has a strong interest in promoting biodiversity in the UK, especially in urban areas and volunteers in his local park.

Sebastian Graabek

Sebastian is a member of the Conservative Party and the Wokingham Conservatives, of which he plays an active role. Professionally he works in wealth management. He has a deep interest in green energy, net zero housing and conservation of countryside.

Jack Hare

Jack is an student in Urban Development and Public Policy, with a strong focus on sustainable transport and housing development with experience in energy security and low carbon infrastructure and is passionate about creating sustainable infrastructure that balances environmental goals with economic growth. As a dedicated advocate for civil liberties and conservative environmentalism, they aim to promote practical, freedom-centered solutions to today’s environmental challenges. Jack also works with the Centre Think Tank and Students for Liberty.

Devin Hindry

Devin is a first-year student at the University of Aberystywth, studying for a BA (Hons) in International Relations Politics. Before this he spent two years working in a leading Barrister's chambers as a practice manager. He stood as a councillor candidate in the Wavendon Gate elections and currently runs The Centrist, a youth led opinion website. He is also an executive member of the Milton Keynes Conservative Association and head of their youth drive.

Jenny Kech

A Paediatric Registered Nurse with over 15 years experience in both Acute and Primary Care, specialising in Complex Care. An active Conservative Party Member, who previously held the role of Chief Fundraiser of the Ealing and Acton Central Association and is now the Association Secretary. Passionate about climate change, the environment and marine pollution.

Mags Joseph

Mags has been a member of the Islington Conservatives and the Party since 2010 and on the Executive Committee since 2014. She has stood as a Council Candidate at every election since then and is the Chair of the CWO Islington branch. Mags also founded the Conservative Friends of the Caribbean group and co-founded the Conservative Friends of East Africa group.

Faaris Khan

Faaris is a second year university student and Chair of Surrey Heath Young Conservatives. He began working with CEN through his attendance at CEN's inaugural Academy in 2022. He has worked in the offices of his local MPs researching environmental issues. In 2023 he stood as a local government candidate.

Ambrose Killen

Ambrose Killen is an officer at St Albans Conservative Association. A former civil servant and police officer who, following retirement, achieved a BSc in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine at Birkbeck. He is currently a member of an NHS Research Ethics Committee, providing ethical guidance on leading edge human drug trials. He is also a member of the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, and the Ver Valley society.

Steve Knee

Steve is Managing Director of Cloudbass, the UK’s leading independent outside broadcast supplier, working for broadcasters such as Sky, BBC and ITV. He has pioneered low carbon approaches to television production, leading the industry on issues of sustainability, driven by Sky’s commitment to net zero by 2030 across all of its output. A strong Conservative Party member, councillor and parliamentary list member, Steve is committed to bringing his business and sustainability experience to his political career.

Frances Lasok

Frances Lasok is a campaign and policy strategist who got involved in politics at 21 when she was recruited to run a marginal Parliamentary campaign just two weeks after joining the Conservative Party. She secured the largest swing win in England and delivered election wins against the trend over the next four years, including for the then-Chancellor. After stints in tech and trade, she now works in devolution and regional development, holding two degrees from the University of Warwick.

Shelagh Lee

Shelagh has been an environmentalist all her life, having worked for an environmental NGO in the 1990’s. She is Deputy Chair of Eastleigh Conservatives, an Officer of Hampshire Conservatives, and a local parish Councillor. As a teacher, she is a firm believer of the power of environmental education, both for young people and also for adults to help them feel empowered to be able to make sustainable changes both at a local and national level.

Elliott Malik

Elliott is a former Parliamentary Assistant with a background in environmentalism and the law. With a rural background, he is most interested in nature conservation and the promotion of harmony between our natural environment and the communities which inhabit it. Elliott is currently a Director for the Conservative Friends of CANZUK, has twice stood as a candidate for Exeter City Council, and is a proud member of the Ealing Conservatives. He also attended CEN Academy 2022.

Alan Manton

Alan is a serving councillor on Horsham District Council. He is passionate about net zero technology such as electric vehicles, solar power, batteries, heat pumps, and passive housing.

Alexandra Marsanu

Associate Director at a global consultancy specialising in strategy development and transformation in the infrastructure space. She also leads Conservative Young Women, an organisation dedicated to getting more women between 18-35 involved in politics.

Dominik Meszaros

Dominik is originally from Hungary but lives in Worcester. He is currently doing a Masters degree in law at the University of Worcester. Dominik is a member of the Young Conservatives and the Worcester Conservative Association. He has previously stood as a local government candidate for Worcester City Council and will be standing again this year. He is particularly interested in how we can reach net zero in an affordable way and enjoys spending time in nature.

Marc Nykolyszyn

Marc is a Senior Director for Conservation International, a world leading nonprofit that has helped protect more than 6 million square kilometres of land and sea by combining fieldwork with innovations in science, policy and finance. As Director of Conservative Friends of the Ocean, Marc also spearheads grassroots efforts within the Conservative Party to champion ocean conservation and support coastal communities.

Josephine Oboh-Macleod

Josephine has been a life long environmentalist. She co-founded Conservative Friends of Africa Scotland. She is a property developer and founder of a local charity in Scotland. Her interests includes, deforestation, climate change, green energy, net zero housing, marine pollution, agriculture, biodiversity & wildlife conservation. As a CEN Ambassador, she’s looking forward to networking with like minded people to advocate for the environment.

Sarah Payne

Sarah is the founder and creative director of Cocoa Loco, a fairtrade, organic chocolate company in West Sussex. She is also a County councillor, Chair of CWO Sussex and a member of Chichester Harbour conservancy.

Katrina Sale

Katrina works with sustainable startups and NGOs to promote the importance of enabling innovation in conservation through policy and regulation. She is the Chair of the Green Entrepreneurship Forum, Head of Partnerships for The Entrepreneurs Network, and runs the APPG for Entrepreneurship. In 2022 she became a fellow of the Natural Allies Environmental Leadership Programme at the University of Cambridge.

Sanjoy Sen

Sanjoy is a chemical engineer (CEng FIChemE) with 25 years’ experience in a range of industries from the traditional (steel, chemicals, North Sea oil) to the modern (hydrogen, renewables, zero-emission transport). His recent MSc in Automotive Engineering focussed on sustainable public transport. At the 2019 UK general election, he gained over 18,000 votes in Alyn & Deeside (home to Airbus, Tata and Toyota), just 213 (0.5%) short. He writes regularly on energy and wider industry issues.

Shweta Singh

Shweta, a gold medalist pilot from a North Indian village, has significantly contributed to charity causes and sustainable development in India's not-for-profit sector. In the UK, she extended her service through volunteer work in adult social care and established Majestic by Shweta Singh, an eco-friendly cosmetics enterprise. An Oxford alumna and Ambassador for the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Alumni Association, Shweta combines her aviation experience with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, leveraging education and technology for global impact.

Jay Singh-Sohal

Jay is a strategic communications Director and Army Reserve Captain. A trained broadcaster, he then worked as a consultant to the City of Westminster on the "Go Green" brief, which included protecting the natural environment, encouraging recycling and improving air quality. These are issues he continues to have a deep interest in, alongside finding affordable low carbon energy solutions for working families. He is a trustee of the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation.

Beccy Smart

Beccy is an environmental campaigner with a background in communications and photography. She has recently come full circle in realising that environmental protection is not something for the fringes, but is central to the Conservative ethos. She is full of ideas for how best to motivate people and politics, to get the laws we need to protect nature. She is motivated to accelerate support for farmers so they can farm more ethically and profitably.

Nick Stovold

Nick lives in Salisbury and plays an active role in Conservative politics in the South West where he is also an Ambassador for the CPF. He previously stood as a parliamentary candidate in 2019 and in his professional life works in the shipping industry and is particularly interested in maritime decarbonisation.

Elissa Swinglehurst

Elissa was elected to Herefordshire Council in 2015, and was the Cabinet Member for Children's Services from 2018 to 2019. She is now the Deputy Leader of the Council, and Cabinet Member for the Environment. Elissa is Chair of the River Wye Nutrient Management Board, Chair of the River Lugg Internal Drainage Board and a member of numerous other partnership boards. She is heavily involved with the work to recover the River Wye and to mitigate the impact of nutrient neutrality on house building.

Dan Watkins

Dan Watkins is a CEN councillor on Kent County Council where he is the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health and he also sits on Canterbury City Councill, where he leads on climate change. Dan stood to be the MP for Tooting at the 2015 General Election and the 2016 by-election. Outside of politics Dan runs a legal technology business.

Warren Whyte

Warren is a chartered architect with over 25 years experience in sustainable design with a focus on making better use of the existing built environment. He has previously been a local councillor and Cabinet Member for the Environment and is active in the sustainable transport sector; speaking at various events on the transition away from fossil fuels. Warren now lives and works on the Isle of Wight, in one of the seven UK biosphere reserves.

CEN Ambassador Programme

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Meet our ambassadors