James Roochove

James runs a busy practice focusing on defamation and reputation management issues, with a particular focus on those involved in politics. He is a recognised leading lawyer in the highly specialised field of election law, with the independent Chambers UK guide to the legal profession noting that “James is excellent and understands electoral law.”

He represents clients facing allegations of breaching electoral law and those involved in challenges to election results.

His work has included:

• Successfully defending Craig Mackinlay MP against charges of election fraud following his 2015 victory against Nigel Farage in South Thanet. This included hearings before the Supreme Court to determine various aspects of election expenses law.
• Obtaining public concessions from Google on behalf of Lee Anderson MP following defamatory advertising placed on Google’s advertising platforms.
• Representing Monmouthshire Conservatives in legal action relating to attempts to consider the deselection of a sitting Member of the Senedd, including successfully resisting attempts to injunct the process.
• Representing numerous Conservative MPs and agents following the revelations by Channel 4 and the Mirror alleging widespread election overspending linked to the “Battlebus” campaign.
• Successfully overturning, via Judicial Review proceedings, an Order under s.176 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 on behalf of an independent councillor.