About Charlotte

Charlotte Leslie, 29, has lived in Bristol for over 25 years. While at school in Bristol, Charlotte represented the City of Bristol in swimming, and made national finals in 100m and 200m Backstroke. She went on to study Classics at Balliol College, Oxford, and spent her university summers employed as a surf-lifeguard on the beaches in North Cornwall.

Before entering politics, Charlotte worked in television at the BBC on entertainment shows including 'The Weakest Link' and consumer programmes such as 'The Holiday Programme'. In her spare time, Charlotte enjoys swimming, surfing, running, writing, drawing, and listening to Bob Dylan. She also enjoys boxing.

Charlotte's Experience

Charlotte currently works on education policy. She is also editor of the Bow Group magazine 'Crossbow', and of the Bow Group's 'Invisible Nation' research series, which spotlights the issues facing politically and socially neglected parts of society. She was previously researcher to the Shadow Education Secretary, David Willetts.

Charlotte formerly co-authored the report 'More Good School Places' for the think tank Policy Exchange and has worked with the Centre for Social Justice. Before that, she served as a Parish Councilor in Almondsbury and as secretary to Bristol West Deanery Synod. She also used to work locally as a swimming teacher, sports assistant for the over-50s, and gym instructor.

Conservatives Working for Bristol North West

"Bristol has consistently had the worst, or near worst education results in the country. The percentage of Bristol's youth leaving school with no qualifications whatsoever in 2005 and 2006 was over double the national average. It is little wonder that with that kind of education record, some parts of Bristol North West also suffer from anti-social behaviour problems and high levels of crime, drug and alcohol abuse.

I will make it one of my priorities to improve this disappointing record, and to make sure the great potential of the young people in Bristol North West does not go to waste.

Bristol North West is also the most socially diverse constituency in the city, with wards in the top and bottom 25% of national deprivation levels existing side by side. There must be no 'no-go' areas for modern compassionate Conservatives.

I look forward to reaching out to communities who may feel forgotten, and I look forward to getting involved in community life and helping local community initiatives to flourish, particularly in The Places the Politicians Forgot."