Ant Pickles
Ant is a communications professional with over 15 years experience working across the UK and Europe. He has been involved in national politics for two decades both behind the scenes and as a candidate.
Born and brought up in Lancashire, he was educated in Blackburn and went on to study at Aberystwyth and Strasbourg. Ant has campaigned across the country and has stood in local and European elections. At the 2019 General Election, Anthony was the Conservative candidate in Ealing North achieving the best result since 1997, and a +6.4% swing for the party. He also helped to coordinate the 2015 General Election in Wales, and worked on the successful election of Andy Street to become the first Mayor of the West Midlands.
He is a regular commentator on political and constitutional matters, and recently wrote a Short Guide to Metro Mayors.
Ant has worked in a number of different sectors including in the global automotive industry in Europe, and as a leading figure in the UK’s tourism industry including authoring and negotiating the landmark Sector Deal with the UK Government.
Ant is a trustee of Wales' independent think tank, the Institute of Welsh Affairs and a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts. He is a Fellow of the Westminster Abbey Institute which promotes dialogue in public leadership.