Since moving to Stroud in 1984, Lucas has been involved in many initiatives set up to address social and economic needs, including: WATNOT recycling, Lansdown Hall, Five Valleys Foyer, The Exchange social enterprise centre and Oakbrook Community Farm. In his professional life Lucas works with housing associations, community interest companies and individuals to help them meet their challenges.

"Communities should work for everyone, and we all play a part in co-creating truly fair societies," he said. "Local solutions should be found to local needs, through working with other local people."

Lucas believes in progressive local solutions such as credit unions, community focused affordable housing, and co-housing projects. He is a firm believer in proportional representation – with PR every vote counts - and he is a campaigner for the pressure group Make Votes Matter.

Lucas lives with his partner in Trinity. His hobbies include singing in a community choir, gardening, exploring the British Isles and admiring the exploits of his five grown-up children.