Dean Russell

Dean Russell comes from a working class background. He embarked upon a career in consultancy and communications, most recently founding his own Epifny Consulting in 2016. Russell is also a physicist with papers published in the British Library; a fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce; a four-times published children’s author; and a regular commentator on communications, including in The Times Higher Education and the Health Service Journal. Russell was a committed Conservative campaigner for a number of years prior to his election, serving as a councillor for St Albans in 2010, but was unsuccessful in his 2015 and 2017 election bids in Luton North and Luton South respectively. As a result of his particular interest in the health sector, Russell has a track record of challenging the stigma around mental ill health, telling the Westminster Index that his proudest political achievement is “starting my campaign to train one thousand mental health first aiders across Watford”. His other legislative priorities include Brexit (he voted Leave in 2016), restoring faith and accountability in our democracy (see Brexit), the environment, and necessary infrastructure projects in the Watford area. Besides the clichéd (as he himself admits) choices of Churchill and Einstein as inspirational historical figures, Russell cites 20th century scientist Richard Feynman, as someone who never took himself too seriously and once remarked “the first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool”: a quote of which Russell is mindful, both to keep himself grounded and not to allow ego to get in the way.

Hot Seat

How do you like to unwind in your free time?

I love sci-fi and comic books. I have written (a yet unpublished sci-fi novel) which made me appreciate even more how good science fiction can often be used to reflect on the biggest challenges of our time by shifting our perspective.

Favourite album or song?

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (Album). I have always found the lyrics of the song quite profound – especially ‘Did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?’. Every one would interpret them differently but for me it is a powerful statement about our choices, our freedoms and the importance of not giving in despite the fact it might be easier to do so in the short term.

It is also just an incredibly brilliantly crafted album on every level.