Councillor James

Councillor James is a corrupt councillor who is a member of the Swanshire County Council. He appeared for stints in 2019, 2020 and 2022-23.

## Storylines

In January 2019, Wallace Squinteye hears that some buildings in Stall Street are due to be demolished. Simon Wood is also interested, and the two men meet with Councillor James. He says that there is no way the buildings can be saved, despite being structurally sound. Wallace and Simon, with help from Stella Squinteye, Fuchsia Squinteye and Jade Evans, stage a protest in front of the bulldozers. Councillor James is driving a digger, and hits Wallace with it, knocking him unconscious. Simon blackmails Councillor James, telling him that if he knocks down the buildings he'll report him for attempted murder. He gives in, and Wallace recovers. In April 2019, Councillor James inspects the renovated buildings, and is pleased by Wallace's efforts. In January 2020, Councillor James asks Wallace to design a centrepiece for the towns new gardens, and is pleased with his design. He asks Wallace to join the council, to which he accepts. He is asked to help renovate another building in Duncan Street, however is found to be more difficult than expected, and Councillor James tells Wallace that unless he finds a solution, the building will have to be demolished, despite being listed. Wallace is put under severe pressure, which turns him to alcohol, causing strained relationships with his family. Wallace eventually finds a solution, however then decides to leave the council and go back to his old jobs as a builder and train driver.

In March 2022, Jade is upset when Councillor James posts transphobic comments online. She later sees him giving a speech outside the council building, mocking transgender people. Jade stands up to him, and is subjected to more transphobic abuse targeting her and her daughter Elle, even starting to say a poem. Jade loses and punches him in the face, knocking him over. She is arrested by PC Jennifer Lloyd and PC Rain Maki, though later release her and they stand with Jade. Jade later starts a hate campaign against James, trying to get him fired. In June 2022, Jade gets a message saying that her campaign was successful, and Councillor James had been removed from the council. Later, James's daughter Alesha, who has been bullying Elle, is killed in a fight with Elle, when she hits her head on a rock. In October 2022, Elle is arrested when new evidence comes to light. In January 2023, James is horrified when Elle is found not guilty. He comes to The Tumpetty for one last battle, however is put down by Jade, Emma & Kate Spider. Councillor James fades into obscurity, humiliated and unwanted.

## Background Info

Councillor James was based on a corrupt member of the local council where NJE lives. He initially appeared from January to April 2019, and again from January to October 2020. In December 2021, NJE announced that Councillor James would be returning for a storyline in 2022, centered around transphobia, in retaliation to NJE being deeply affected by a story they heard involving a transphobic terf named Harry Miller on Twitter. The character returned in March 2022. Fans praised NJE's acting, referring to James as "the most vile character ever." In July 2022, the character was axed in a cast clearout. He left in January 2023.