The Team
Conservative Friends of Education is run by a dedicated team of education professionals who are Conservative Party activists.
“The role of education is to enable individuals to pursue their own interests and talents, and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in society as active, informed citizens.”
Founder & CEO
Stephen James
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Stephen James is an educator and entrepreneur dedicated to promoting conservative principles in education. As the Founder and CEO of Conservative Friends of Education (CFoE), he leads efforts to improve the education sector. Having served in the British Army, Stephen supports veterans as Regional Secretary for the Intelligence Corps, Treasurer of his local Royal British Legion Branch, and founder of British Veteran Owned. Recognised as Teacher of the Year in 2018 and 2021, he has worked to enhance educational standards. His book, "Social Media for Schools," has helped improve school communication. Stephen stood in the 2024 General Election, aiming to use his diverse experiences to benefit education, veterans, and his local community in East Kent.
The Fellowship Executive Officers
Ronel Lehmann
Founding Fellow
Ronel Lehmann is the Founding Fellow of Conservative Friends of Education; he has been with us from the start and chairs the Fellowship.
Barin Yucemen
Executive Fellow
Barin has led many teams of now successful City professionals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and helps the team through coaching and mentoring.
Joanna Reeves
Head of Fellowship Recruitment & Fundraising
Joanna directs and oversees fellowship recruitment and fundraising activities. She is also our Neurodiversity Champion.
The Operations Team
Naz Panju
Head of Policy
Naz manages CFoE's research and briefings and liaises with the Conservative Policy Forum.
Dan Bull
Head of External Affairs (Outreach)
Dan builds and maintains strategic relationships and identifies opportunities to improve our external impact.
Victoria Wilkinson
Head of Membership & Fundraising
Victoria directs and oversees membership and fundraising activities.
Tim Clark
Political Director
Tim builds and maintains strategic relationships and identifies opportunities to improve our impact amongst Conservative Members of Parliament.