Introducing your General Election candidates for Westmorland & Lonsdale

Meet the people vying to be your next MP in Westmorland & Lonsdale.

We asked the candidates declared so far a bit about themselves and what they are offering the electorate if they are successful in the 2024 General Election, which will be held on July 4.

Cumbria Crack has not edited their answers – they are talking directly to you.

People had until 5pm on Friday June 7, to declare their intention to stand in the General Election.

Tim Farron, Liberal Democrats

	Tim Farron, Liberal Democrats
Who are you?	The 54-year-old lives in Milnthorpe and is married to Rosie. The couple have four children. He has been MP for Westmorland & Lonsdale since 2005.
How did you get into politics?	When I was 14 years old I watched the film Cathy Come Home. It’s the heart-breaking story of a mother and her young children who become homeless. It made me cry but it also made me angry at those in positions of power and authority who turned up their nose at them and refused to help. I joined the homeless charity Shelter straight after and became passionate about helping people in desperate housing need.
Why do you want to represent the area?	It has been a privilege to serve Westmorland & Lonsdale as MP since 2005. Getting alongside our communities and being a voice for the voiceless is what this job is all about. While over the last few years Westminster has been full of political turmoil and infighting, in Westmorland – together – we have worked to make our own luck. I am so proud of our incredible community – representing them is the best job in the world. The boundary changes also mean that I have the exciting opportunity to represent and fight for the wonderful towns and villages across southern Eden who have been taken for granted by the Conservatives.
What promises do you make to the people if you are elected?	I think people should be very wary about promises politicians make at election time. The only thing I can only promise is the thing I know I can deliver, which is to work and fight for you every single day to make sure your voice is heard, as I have done since I was first elected.
Why should people elect you?	In my time as MP, I have built a track record of getting things done – whether that’s bringing chemotherapy treatment to Westmorland General Hospital, helping to save our vital rural GP surgeries, or even organising a free heritage train service on the Lakes Line when Northern gave up trying to run their own trains! I have also got things done directly for local residents. Since 2005 I have completed more than 150,000 pieces of casework for local people – whether that’s securing a roof over the head for a family in desperate housing need, or getting critical mental health treatment for someone’s child.
What are the major issues?	There are three main issues that our area faces. The first is the crisis in our health service. People are being forced to wait months for vital treatment whether it’s for cancer or for their mental health. We desperately need to invest in recruiting and retaining staff in our NHS and also in social care where workforce issues are leading to so many people being stuck in a hospital bed rather than being back into the community. The second is the lack of truly affordable housing for local people. We need to giving our local planning departments the power to stop developers being able to wriggle out of building the homes that our communities so desperately need. We also need to ban Section 21 no fault evictions which are being used by some bad landlords to turf families out of their home so that it can be turned into a holiday let or Airbnb. And the third is the scandal of sewage being dumped into our beautiful lakes and rivers such as Windermere, Coniston, the River Eden and the River Kent. We need to tax the unearned profits of the water company giants and reinvest that money into fixing our country’s broken sewage system.

Matty Jackman, The Conservative Party

	Matty Jackman, The Conservative Party
Who are you?	The 28-year-old lives in Grasmere. He works in the defence sector and is a captain in the Army Reserve. He volunteers as a first responder with the North West Ambulance Service and previously worked in central government.
How did you get into politics?	I want to serve as a politician because, to me, politics is fundamentally about service. I believe that my experiences have equipped me to be both a good listener and a man of action. I’ve spent years engaging with people from all walks of life, understanding their needs and aspirations. This has taught me the importance of empathy and responsiveness. I studied politics at university, on a scholarship in the US, followed by a foreign policy and diplomacy MA at Lancaster. This is about dedicating oneself to the betterment of the community and working tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of the people. Two seminal moments were the tragic deaths of Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. Their sacrifice while serving their country cemented my already strong desire to lead and be a strong voice.
Why do you want to be MP for the area?	Raised in Westmorland & Lonsdale, I went to school here and I would like to raise a family here. This is home. I am deeply invested in this place and active in many ways in the local community. I understand the balance between our economy, communities, and the environment, and I will be a voice that maintains and enhances this balance to benefit everyone. This is also the most beautiful place in the world. Any constituency that boasts Blencathra, Helvellyn, and the Old Man of Coniston is undeniably the best.
What promises do you make to the people if you are elected?	Westmorland & Lonsdale has lacked a strong and influential voice for nearly two decades that can deliver real change. It’s time to have the ability to influence the national stage and put aspirations into action. I promise to serve with integrity, always placing the needs of my constituents first.
Why should people elect you?	Vote for me to champion our local businesses, enhance access to quality healthcare, support our farming community, and take action to protect our environment. Your vote for me is a vote for progress, prosperity, and positive change. Together, let’s build a brighter future for our constituency. Vote for action, vote for me. Since parliamentary boundary changes, you now have an even better chance, a once-in-a-generation opportunity, for meaningful change. I am here to serve you and deliver for you.
What are the major issues?	I break my plan to solve issues into three sections: People, Place, and Prosperity. · People: Supporting our farmers and enhancing food security is crucial, finding a balance with tourism to ensure sustainable communities. Community-focused housing developments and strong and resilient NHS facilities are key. · Prosperity: The aim is to overcome the ingrained negative planning culture by fostering a varied economy. Enhancing local skills training, rural infrastructure and connectivity can help unlock potential and new opportunities and generate a deeper and wider prosperity. · Place: My commitment is to protect the natural beauty of our area, including our national parks, supporting our sense of place and championing local values, ensuring that our way of life is protected where necessary and is enhanced for future generations.

Pippa Smith, the Labour Party

	Pippa Smith, Labour
Who are you?	The 31-year-old works in the charity sector and lives in the South Lakes.
How did you get into politics?	I’m standing for parliament for the first time. I’ve seen through my work the impact of the cost of living crisis and years of government neglect of public services. I think we’ve been badly let down and enough is enough.
Why do you want to represent Westmorland & Lonsdale?	I grew up locally and work across South Cumbria. I know what life is like round here – I’m passionate about improving the area and making things work for local people. And it’s the most beautiful constituency in the country!
What promises do you make to the people of Westmorland & Lonsdale if you are elected?
Why should people elect you?	Labour has a long term, serious plan to change Britain. I want to see the benefits of a Labour government here in Westmorland & Lonsdale and I’ll fight for us to have a voice in the national conversation.
What are the major issues for Westmorland & Lonsdale?	I’m focusing on rebuilding our NHS, tackling climate change, securing more affordable housing and ending the cost of living crisis. I also want to see more action on polluters and better opportunities for our young people.

James Townley, Reform UK

	James Townley, Reform UK
Who are you?	The 37-year-old is married to Bella and has two sons, aged three and four. He has worked in landscape construction for the last 18 years. He lives in Heversham, near Milnthorpe.
How did you get into politics?	I’ve always taken a keen interest in politics but never felt the need to join a party until recently. I’m concerned about the future of the UK and what this means for my children. I believe we need real, tangible change, which Reform UK offers to deliver.
Why do you want to represent the area?	I was born and raised here, and now my own children are growing up here. I believe they are fortunate to experience the same wonderful upbringing I had, enjoying boats, fishing, country shows, and making diverse friends of all ages. It’s a magical place, and I want to see it thrive for future generations. I am passionate about ensuring the area works for everyone.
What promises do you make to the people if you are elected?	If elected, I promise to dedicate myself fully to serving this constituency with drive and commitment.
Why should people elect you?	I have the drive and passion required for the role of MP for Westmorland & Lonsdale. I have a vision for real, positive change in the area, which I don’t see happening currently.
What are the major issues?	Like many counties, we are facing a sewage crisis. The firms and bodies responsible for this environmental disaster must be held accountable and rectify the situation swiftly. Our farmers are struggling with the threat of usable farmland being taken up by incentivised grants to rewild. This must stop; farmers should be incentivised to farm and strengthen our national food security. Our high streets are becoming ghost towns and are run down. I propose free parking for three hours in all towns and lower business rates for locally owned shops, giving them a chance to compete with online retailers. Additionally, we should provide help and advice to entrepreneurs setting up their own shops. Our council is in debt. Although tourism is of great economic value to Cumbria, many residents not associated with tourism bear the brunt of failing roads, congestion, litter, and strained services. I propose a 5% levy on all overnight stays related to tourism to directly address these issues. This is not an attack on tourism, but a way to ensure its sustainability.

Wendy Long, SDP

	Wendy Long, SDP
Who are you?	The 54-year-old is married to Shaun and has three daughters and five grandchildren. She is an online English tutor.
How did you get into politics?	I feel strongly that the direction in which the country is being forcibly dragged is the wrong one. We need to return to placing importance on family, being self-sufficient as a country and preserving our way of life. I felt that I had no positive choice to vote for, so I put myself forward as an SDP candidate. I’d never previously been involved in politics, but having stumbled across the SDP’s website I found that their policies strongly resonated with me.
Why do you want to represent Westmorland & Lonsdale?	I spend much of my leisure time in the constituency, and feel it is very important to preserve its distinct character for residents and future generations. Local people, and the livestock farming community in particular, deserve a secure and prosperous future in which their interests are placed before policies determined elsewhere and imposed in a top-down fashion.
What promises do you make to the people of Westmorland & Lonsdale if you are elected?	I promise to be an active presence in the constituency, listening to the concerns of residents and placing their interests first.
Why should people elect you?	The SDP has a strong set of policies that put the interests of the nation ahead of those of transnational bodies and corporations. My party will tackle the crisis of unaffordable housing, and implement policies which support family life. It will also pursue an active policy of supporting our farmers and rural communities.
What are the major issues for Westmorland & Lonsdale?	Major issues include the cost of living, housing and potential restrictions on heating homes. With respect to the latter, the drive for Net Zero represents a huge threat to the ability of many householders to heat their own homes, owing to the fact that many properties are off-grid and unsuitable for heat pumps owing to the age of the housing stock. With respect to the building of affordable homes, I am in favour of following the recommendations set out by the ‘Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission’ in 2020: new housing doesn’t have to be ugly, and I am very much in favour of new building being situated on the edges of existing towns, or small developments organically integrated into the area’s villages. We need to offer our young people the opportunity of a bright future and affordable family life.

Phil Clayton, the Green Party

	Phil Clayton, of the Green Party
Who are you?	The 63-year-old is divorced and has two sons, one at the University of Sheffield studying engineering, and one studying A-levels at Queen Katherine School in Kendal. He lives in Kendal and is recently retired. His last job was working for the NHS, delivering new technology.
How did you get into politics?	I have no political background, but have been active in the Green Party for about three years now.
Why do you want to represent Westmorland & Lonsdale?	This has been my home for 23 years. I’m affected by the same issues as every other local resident, and I’m frustrated by the failure of the major parties to tackle them.
What promises do you make to the people of Westmorland & Lonsdale if you are elected?	To provide a clear voice for local people in Westminster. To hold the Government of the day to account. To help resolve constituent’s problems wherever I can.
Why should people elect you?	All the main parties have very similar manifestos, and all lack any vision or ambition. If you want real change, that requires courage, commitment and a willingness to make hard choices, then vote Green.
What are the major issues for Westmorland & Lonsdale?	The crisis in the NHS, across GPs, hospitals and mental health units. The lack of affordable housing, either to rent or buy. Expensive, unreliable, poorly co-ordinated public transport.

Izzy Solabarrieta, the Heritage Party

	Izzy Solabarrieta, Heritage Party
Who are you?	The 51-year-old lives in the constituency with her partner Dean. The pair run a bathroom business. She is a step-mum and step-grandma.
How did you get into politics?	I became aware of the newly-formed Heritage Party during 2020/21 when I could see that behind the media performance a totalitarian government was settling itself in, a clear threat to our freedom and way of life. I joined the party in 2021 but although my membership lapsed after a year, I continued to see this new regime settling ever further, with constant legislation introduced, each one removing rights and basic freedoms, from the basic right to protest, to the right to keep poultry without having to inform the government! All through this David Kurton, Heritage Party leader, was one of the few voice brave enough to speak out. When the General Election was called I hesitated as our lives have been so very busy I wondered how I would fit it in, but right at the last minute I thought, I just have to do this, even if only to get the name of the Heritage Party out there. I rejoined the party and made it to Kendal Town Hall with my nomination papers with only a couple of hours to go. I came out on a nervous high and celebrated with a spending spree in the amazing card shop next door!
Why do you want to represent Westmorland & Lonsdale?	We moved here in 2015, supposedly temporarily, but we both fell in love with the area, partly with the landscape, but most of all the people. Cumbrians are good, traditional people, they are not afraid to stand up for what is right. They are deeply generous, hard-working and will bend over backwards to help others. I have a deep love and respect for the people of this constituency and I want to do everything I can for this wonderful community and way of life, because right now it feels very under threat.
What promises do you make to the people of Westmorland & Lonsdale if you are elected?	I promise to do my best. I promise that the decisions I make will be made with the interests of my constituents at heart. I promise to take the best advice, to speak to the best people, to ensure I am as knowledgeable as possible about the issues that arise. I promise to be honest, transparent, approachable, reachable and not hidden away behind security or behind a mask. I promise to fight for the children of this constituency, to ensure their childhoods can remain as pure and innocent as possible, for as long as possible. I promise to fight to protect us all from tyranny.
Why should people elect you?	For all the reasons given above, and also because for decades this country has swung from one party to another, from high hopes to promises, and each time, each successive government has done little but grind the country down. We should not have poverty like we do in 2024, either financial or aspirational. It becomes very clear that this denigration of the country has been deliberate. The people have become poorer, while politicians have become richer, and the wealth transfer from poor to rich accelerated massively since the lockdowns. The Heritage Party is the only party that recognises this and that is brave enough to speak out and to offer an alternative. The other parties seem hell-bent on war, on continuing to ruin the land with incredibly un-green ‘green technologies’, on taking us all towards digital IDs and almost dystopian controls. The Heritage Party will put a stop to all this, free us from the most restrictive agreements and allow us all to live again. I look forward to being part of it.
What are the major issues for Westmorland & Lonsdale?	Locally, the Lakes are in a crisis, with many local families unable to find anywhere to live. We believe every young British family should be able to buy their own home – the housing market must work for home buyers over property developers. I constantly speak to people who are stuck on long waiting lists for surgeries and treatments. Health care is in crisis, but it seems so too are the people – is anyone actually asking why so many people are needing health care? Our children have been completely let down in recent years. After two years of being told they could kill Granny by hugging her, it’s no surprise that many of them are struggling socially. On their return to school, they’ve been hit by Comprehensive Sexuality Education. I want to know exactly what is being taught in schools, and I want all parents to know it too. Farmers and small businesses are being hit by constant, over-regulation. These need stripping back so farmers can farm, businesses can business and life can make sense again. And the nonsensical scheme of paying farmers to turn quality grazing land into scrubland needs to be abolished. I don’t know anyone who wants to eat leaves. All this is before even mentioning the state of the rivers and lakes, silent victims of an appalling culture of corporate greed and unaccountability. Urgent action needs to be taken, with bonus payouts stopped and paid back, and those responsible for this travesty should be brought to justice.

John Studholme, Independent

	John Studholme, Independent
Who are you?	Born in Kendal and brought up in Wigton, he has two children and four grandchildren. He lives in the constituency at Hayclose in New Hutton and is a chartered surveyor with an MSc from Reading.
How did you get into politics?	I went to a meeting at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal. Cyril Smith and Alan Beith were speaking. They convinced me and I joined there and then. At the Lib Dem annual conference in Dundee I was asked on TV the same question “How did you get into politics? I joked: “I was caught in a corner by Cyril Smith and I could not get away!” It got a laugh but I did not then realise the irony of what I said!
Why do you want to represent Westmorland & Lonsdale?	I was born here and live here.
What promises do you make to the people of Westmorland & Lonsdale if you are elected?	I will always tell the truth and try to be kind to all living creatures. I have a record of achievement and will try to create a New Town at Junction 36 which will provide affordable housing to buy and to rent for people on the housing waiting list. The town will be linked to the West Coast main line. I will by carrot and stick try to end littering in Westmorland and Lonsdale. I will try to provide a synthetic track in Kendal. I will aim to provide adequate funding and staff and buildings for the Nation Health Service and schools; in the constituency. I will construct a Northern bypass for Kendal. I will make the authorities address the pollution of the lakes and rivers. I will keep in touch and hold regular surgeries.
Why should people elect you?	I know the area. I live in the constituency. I have a lot of experience and success with making things happen locally. I tell the truth and try to be kind to all living creatures. I will get to know the areas of the constituency I do not know already. I listen.
What are the major issues for Westmorland & Lonsdale?	Lack of affordable housing. Business investment. More investment in public services. The cost of social services.