Ashley was awarded an Entrance Scholarship to the University of Wales in Aberystwyth where he gained a BSc in Economics, International Politics and Intelligence Studies. He then studied at the Europa College in Brussels gaining an MA in EU International Relations and Diplomacy. He also studied at McGill university in Canada. After gaining varied experience, Ashley embarked on his first of many government posts starting as an Enterprise Policy & Strategy Consultant at the Dept. for Business Innovation & Skills [BIS]. He then worked for a short spell as a Policy Office at the Dept. for International Development before moving back to the Dept. for Business Innovation & Skills as a Private Secretary.
March 2016 update
He then got married to Amelie and moved back to Canada. He is currently the Head of Science & Innovation Network at the British High Commission in Ottawa.