Charlotte has worked for the National Autistic Society, having worked with them previously as their public affairs officer, helping with their Autism Bill. She is the former editor of the Bow Group magazine 'Crossbow', and has written for a number of publications, including The Guardian's candidate blog, Prospect Magazine, The Specator, The Daily Mail blog, for the Daily Telegraph.
Charlotte was raised and grew up in Bristol, going to school in the constituency, and lives in Westbury-on-Trym, in Bristol North West.
Charlotte Leslie's Experience
Charlotte has a range of career experience - from charity work to politics, televison and sports coaching. She has previously worked with The Scouts and as Education Associate with The Young Foundation. Before getting selected for Bristol North West, she was Special Adviser to Shadow Education Secretary, David Willetts.
In 2005, she co-authored the report 'More Good School Places' for the think-tank Policy Exchange, and has worked with The Centre for Social Justice. Previously, Charlotte worked in television production at the BBC on shows such as 'The Weakest Link' and 'The Holiday Programme'. She has also worked as a qualified swimming teacher, sports-co-ordinator, children's tutor, and was employed for several years as a surf life-guard on the North Cornwall coastline, working closely with the emergency services.
Her political interest started as a local parish councillor in Almondsbury, near her home in Bristol. She studied classics at Balliol College, Oxford and her interests include surfing, surf-life-saving, writing, art, Bob Dylan, running and swimming. She used to swim competitively, representing City of Bristol, and made the age-group national finals in 200m and 100m backstroke. She also enjoys boxing training.