Hello, I’m Jason Kitcat. I’ve been interested in technology, politics and the environment for as long as I can remember. I love building communities, opening up processes and engaging people. I’ve done this in the local government, non-profit and commercial sectors. I’m organised, effective and passionate in what I do. Find out more around this site or get in touch by emailing jason@jasonkitcat.com or calling 07956 886 508.
“Jason Kitcat is one of the hardest working councillors in my memory, one of the truly exceptional local ward councillors of our time.” — Brighton Politics Blogger
“Jason combines excellent interpersonal skills with fantastic attention to detail, while never losing sight of the big picture … Jason consistently produced work of the highest standard to the tightest of deadlines, and acted as the best kind of ambassador for the organisation … And all this without once losing his sense of humour. I would hire Jason again in a heartbeat.” — Becky Hogge
Pre-Packed Bios
Updated 18th May 2012
Pictures for use in articles or biogs
One sentence: Jason Kitcat is a green politician, technologist and activist (jasonkitcat.com) — he is Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and a Green City Councillor .
One paragaph: Jason Kitcat is a green politician, technologist and activist (jasonkitcat.com). He is Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and a Green City Councillor. Through the Open Rights Group, Jason is a prominent digital rights campaigner, particularly in opposing the introduction of e-voting and e-counting.
Full biography:
Jason Kitcat is Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council and a Green City Councillor for Regency Ward. Jason is a member of the UK’s first ever Green council administration. Before becoming leader of the council, Jason was Cabinet Member for Finance & Central Services. Jason was first elected in a December 2007 by-election. He is a former Chair of Brighton & Hove Green Party and has a track record as a successful campaign manager. He led the local party to success in his own by-election, the 2009 European Elections (with Greens topping the city-wide poll), two other council by-elections and was on the management team for the historic 2011 council election campaign. Jason was a Green candidate for European Parliament in 2009 and was a member of the campaign management team for Caroline Lucas’ successful bid to become the UK’s first Green MP.
Jason is a prominent digital rights campaigner, particularly with regards to electronic voting and counting. In 2007 Jason completed a part-time contract as e-voting co-ordinator at the Open Rights Group (a group he helped to found), where he continues to contribute in a voluntary capacity on their Advisory Council. Jason led 25 election observers in monitoring e-voting and e-counting across the 2007 English & Scottish elections. The resulting report helped set the agenda for electoral modernisation with e-voting no longer a government priority.
Jason was until February 2012 a Foundation Coordinator at the Open Knowledge Foundation. He was previously Head of Technology at Netmums, a leading grassroots parenting site. He has worked with online communities since the early 1990s and has founded or co-founded a number of technology related companies. He holds a BSc(Hons) from the University of Warwick in Computer Science & Management Science and MSc Technology & Innovation Management from the University of Sussex. Jason spent several years at Sussex studying for a doctorate on online government consultations before choosing to focus his energies on active politics.
Jason is half English and half French-Canadian. He is married with a daughter and a son.
More information: Full Resume
Fun Stuff:
Jason loves Jazz, Blues and Soul music, is a big The Wire, Six Feet Under, West Wing and Ally McBeal fan. Favourite films: Swingers and Everyone Says I Love You. Favourite authors include Douglas Coupland, Neal Stephenson, William Gibson, Tom Wolfe, Iain M Banks and Truman Capote
