Deputy Mayor

Councillor James Baker was born and raised in Dudley, the West Midlands. After leaving school, he joined the Army, based in Catterick, North Yorkshire, as a gunner in the Royal Artillery. After leaving the Army, James moved to London and worked in advertising for maritime trade publications.

Cllr Baker moved to Surrey in 2010, working in landscaping and property management, which he continues to do alongside part-time care work. He lives in Horley with his wife Caroline, three cats, two chickens and a pineapple conure called Captain Flint.

Cllr Baker is a part of the Horley Association of Traders, a group of volunteers who organise large St George's Day and Christmas Fairs, which raise funds to ensure that there are Christmas Lights each year in Horley.

As a firm believer in volunteering, Cllr Baker helps with other groups wherever possible, encourages others to do the same, and is a member of the Royal British Legion, Horley Branch.

In his spare time Cllr Baker enjoys reading, gardening, watching Sci-Fi and Horror, and making furniture using traditional techniques.