NAME… Ray Lewis
WELL-KNOWN FOR… Running Eastside Young Leaders Academy (EYLA) – a project in Newham harnessing the leadership potential of black boys at risk of social exclusion. Rather than aspiring to become footballers or urban music stars, Ray encourages his charges to aim to succeed in fields such as law, investment banking and business. EYLA gives the boys the academic help, teamwork skills and self-discipline vital to do this. Ray resolved to do something to help black boys when, as governor of a young offenders institution, he saw the large numbers of black teenagers ending up in custody.
David Cameron chose to make his first official visit as Conservative leader to EYLA.
CONSERVATIVE PARTY HISTORY… Ray and EYLA have contributed to many events including the launch of A Fair Deal for Everyone and the inaugural Centre for Social Justice Awards. Although he has not been a Conservative Party activist, the success of EYLA is underpinned by Ray’s practising of small ‘c’ conservative values and principles.
SPECIALIST AREAS… Education, youth justice
DID YOU KNOW… Eastside Young Leaders Academy was modelled on an academy in Louisiana after Ray saw it featured on Oprah.
MAIN STRENGTHS… Public service background, understanding of social problems, charisma and a great sense of humour. On his visit to EYLA, Ray praised Dave for “speaking just like a brother” for his ability to address audiences without notes.
IDEAL CONSTITUENCY… Ray is ideally suited to stand in one of the urban seats we need to win back from Labour. His selection would help overturn the perception that Conservatives are not interested in our great cities and that we don’t have any solutions to their entrenched problems.
MORE INFORMATION… EYLA, Dave gets East End leadership tips.
WOULD RAY BE ON YOUR GOLDLIST?
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VOTING IN THIS SURVEY HAS NOW CLOSED. 174 VOTES WERE RECEIVED. 80% WERE IN FAVOUR OF RAY LEWIS JOINING THE GOLDLIST. 17% WERE AGAINST. 3% DIDN'T KNOW.
