Laura Victoria Ashby (born 30 September 1996) is a British charity founder and political candidate from Market Rasen, Lincolnshire. She is the founder of The Nadora Project, a Scottish charitable organisation focused on the preservation of historic buildings, environmental sustainability, and education in the arts and heritage.
Political Activist Laura Victoria Ashby | |
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| Born | September 30, 1996 |
| Education | University of Hull |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 2021–present |
| Organization | The Nadora Project |
| Known for | Environmental activism, philanthropy and historic preservation |
| Political party | Independent politician |
Political career
editIn May 2021 Ashby became a director of the Armed Forces Community Advice Service CIC,[1] a social enterprise that provided support to veterans and military families. The organisation offered assistance with housing, employment, and mental health issues related to the transition from military service to civilian life. Ashby held this position until the organisation was dissolved in June 2022.
In 2024 she ran as an Independent candidate in the UK parliamentary election for the Lincoln constituency. Her candidacy focused on local issues and her approach was framed around the importance of independent political engagement, aiming to represent her community without party affiliation.
Previously Ashby had been involved in the Conservative and Unionist Party, running in the 2021 local election for Gainsborough Trent and the 2023 local election for Market Rasen. She also served as Regional Chair for the Conservative Young Women in the East Midlands and held a Scottish National Ambassador position for the Conservative Policy Forum from 2022 to 2023. Later that year, she left the Conservative Party, stating that she felt it had lost its direction. She indicated that the party's decision to backtrack on its net zero commitments contributed to her departure.[2]
The Nadora Project
editIn July 2023 Ashby founded The Nadora Project, a Scottish charitable incorporated organisation (SCIO), based in Glasgow. The charity's mission is to preserve and restore historic buildings at risk, promote the use of green technologies in these restorations, and provide opportunities for public engagement in the arts and heritage. The charity also focuses on making restored heritage sites accessible to local community groups and advancing education in creative arts.[3]
References
edit- ^ "ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY ADVICE SERVICE CIC". Company Information Service. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
- ^ Turner, James (July 1, 2024). "General Election 2024, Meet Lincoln's Independent Candidate Laura Ashby". MyLocal. Retrieved September 29, 2024.
- ^ "The Nadora Project SCIO, SC052689". OSCR Scottish Charity Regulator. July 17, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2024.