Introducing your Carlisle candidates for the 2024 General Election

Meet the people vying to be your next MP in Carlisle.

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 today, Friday June 7, to declare their intention to stand in the General Election – and more candidates have come forward. We would like to give them the opportunity to answer the questions and urge them to get in touch.

The final candidate list now includes Thomas Lynestryder, of Carlisle, who is standing as an Independent and Sean Reed, who lives in the constituency, also standing as an Independent.

Below is who has responded so far:

John Stevenson, The Conservative Party

John Stevenson, of The Conservative Party

	John Stevenson, The Conservative Party
Who are you?	The 60-year-old has been Carlisle’s MP since 2010. He is married and lives in Great Corby.
How did you get into politics?	I have always been interested in politics from a young age. My father was a local councillor. My degree was history and politics.
Why do you want to represent Carlisle?	I have lived here for over 30 years. Helped build a local business and was a councillor for 11 years before becoming the MP. Carlisle is a wonderful place to live and work in. It is greatly underrated and I wanted to see it develop, grow and become more prosperous and successful.
What promises do you make to the people of Carlisle if you are elected?	I want to continue the work which I have already done which will include organising and hosting Carlisle Skills Fair, helping to facilitate additional investment into the city. At a national level, I believe we have reached the point where taxes should not rise any further and I will therefore commit to vote against any increases in the tax burden. I will support policies to limit immigration. I would support an annual cap to be decided by Parliament.
Why should people elect you?	I stand on my local record in investment in the city.
What are the major issues for Carlisle?	The city centre is clearly a challenge, but ensuring we have the skills and ensure that the area is an attractive place to come to, live in, work and have careers. It is also important that we get the right rural/urban mix which works for both parts of the constituency.

Julie Minns, The Labour Party

	Julie Minns, Labour
Who are you?	The 55-year-old lives in Denton Holme – on the same street she was raised on – and has worked in corporate communications and regulatory policy. She has run an MP’s office, run campaigns for two of the UK’s leading charities, and been senior manager of two of the UK’s largest infrastructure providers. Her daughter Georgia is a paediatric nurse; her mum Freda, 90, still lives in Denton Holme; her dad Tom died in 2005 from industrial disease and she also has her Aunt Betty, 99, and numerous cousins in and around Carlisle.
How did you get into politics?	I was very fortunate to have two inspirational sixth form teachers at Trinity School who were both interested in politics and current affairs. They would encourage us to follow the news, read the newspapers and – as I was studying economics A-level – to understand the real life effect of political and economic theory. In Carlisle that effect was the closure of our factories and engineering works – throwing thousands of people out of work. So, when the Labour Party knocked on our door I joined them.
Why do you want to represent Carlisle?	My family have lived in Carlisle for generations, it’s my home and I love it. But I love what it could be even more.
What promises do you make to the people of Carlisle if you are elected?	This reminds me of taking my Brownie guide promise at St James many moons ago! I promise to be a full-time, visible, accessible MP, committed to, and in touch with local people.
Why should people elect you?	Because Carlisle, north Cumbria and our country need CHANGE. We need to get our NHS back on its feet – and Labour will cut waiting lists and give the NHS the doctors, nurses and dentists it needs. We need cheaper energy bills – and Labour will create Great British Energy, generating home grown renewable energy and helping farmers connect to the grid. We need more homes – and Labour will get Britain building again. We need our streets back – and Labour will put police back on our streets, tackle anti-social behaviour and crack down on rural crime. We need to unlock opportunity – and Labour will recruit 6,500 new teachers, put dedicated mental health support in every school, and a breakfast club in every primary school.
What are the major issues for Carlisle?	Being able to see an NHS dentist, a doctor or get hospital treatment. The rocketing cost of the weekly shop. Anti-social behaviour. Unreliable or no buses. And a city centre that’s a shadow of its former self.

Gavin Hawkton, Green Party

	Gavin Hawkin, Green Party
Who are you?	The 39-year-old, a higher education tutor, is married and lives in Carlisle.
How did you get into politics?	The Iraq war of 2003 launched by the Labour Party and crippling austerity measures imposed by the Conservative/Lib Dem coalition led me to have a total disillusionment with mainstream political parties. I got into politics to try to challenge the status quo and provide a different option.
Why do you want to represent Carlisle?	I want to give residents a genuine alternative at the next election. If nobody else stands up, who will?
What promises do you make to the people of Carlisle if you are elected?	I want to be an advocate for real change that includes an end to privatisation, a commitment to a fully funded NHS and a wealth tax to address the appalling levels of inequality in our country.
Why should people elect you?	Unlike the other candidates I’m not a career politician. I don’t see people are numbers to be counted but individuals who have opinions and concerns that should be listened to.
What are the major issues for Carlisle?	Our area feels left behind, promises of ‘levelling up’ have not been delivered and I don’t see any significant change coming with the two main parties in power.

Sean Reed, Independent

	Sean Reed, Independent
Who are you?	A local independent chartered surveyor and drone pilot, he was previously head of property and asset management for Cumbria County Council. He moved here for work in 1992, got married and but for a stint abroad in Edinburgh decided to stay. He is also a councillor for St Cuthbert Without Parish Council, a governor at Pennine Way Primary School, a director of Carlisle Sports, which oversees Harraby 3G Community Sports Centre and a referee/referee mentor for Cumberland FA.
How did you get into politics?	I have worked in Local Government in England and Scotland in different roles since 1992 and so have had to be apolitical. I have worked with many different administrations including Labour, Conservative, Liberals and rainbow coalitions. I am an advocate of the market and have a social conscience, some might say a Social Entrepreneur.
Why do you want to represent Carlisle?	It feels very much like the people of Carlisle are no longer directly represented and the current pendulum politics mould needs to be broken as otherwise we will just get the same old same old.
What promises do you make to the people of Carlisle if you are elected?	To work tirelessly, visibly, effectively, and honestly to champion the causes that mean the most to the people of Carlisle.
Why should people elect you?	Why vote Independent; Why not? At least you will know that nobody else is pulling my strings. I will act with impartiality, objectivity and integrity for the people of Carlisle. If I am returned, the headlines on July 5 will be all about Carlisle…
What are the major issues for Carlisle?	In my opinion, the NHS waiting lists, promises of investment but it is taking too long to be delivered, anti-social behaviour, housing and planning, transport including potholes, education and SEND, Carlisle United bouncing back. However, as a local representative my role will be to represent the views of the people of Carlisle rather than imposing mine on the area. What people can be assured of though is that my underlying values are grounded and well rounded.

Rachel Hayton, SDP

Rachel Hayton, of the SDP. Picture: Marco Berti Photography

	Rachel Hayton, SDP
Who are you?	The 63-year-old is married to Paul. She has sons Tim and Charlie, stepchildren Jennie and Will plus grandchildren. She is an educational psychologist and an academic tutor at Newcastle University teaching educational psychologists of the future on their doctorate programme
How did you get into politics?	I live between Carlisle and Brampton in Faugh. Since coming to Carlisle I have lived in a bedsit on Warwick Road and rented in Talkin. I have been in my current home since 2001.
Why do you want to represent Carlisle?	I love living in this area and believe that Carlisle has great potential. It was a great place to be when I came here in 1995. I have found people here to be realistic and down-to-earth, open and honest. My husband and youngest son were born here, on Richardson Street in Denton Holme, and at the Cumberland Infirmary. My sons were both educated locally in state primary and secondary schools. We are invested in this community. I was a magistrate for 19 years on the North Cumbria bench and have led the Talkin Singers, a community singing group, for the last 10 years. I believe in civic duty and people playing a part to support and grow their communities.
What promises do you make to the people of Carlisle if you are elected?	If I were to be elected I would be a fully visible and present MP. I would hold regular surgeries and travel around to communities which may not be able to easily get into Carlisle or one of the small towns; Brampton and Longtown. Although I recognise the value of social media nothing quite beats face-to-face interactions, especially in our more isolated communities.
Why should people elect you?	I believe in fairness and getting a good deal for Carlisle and the constituency as a whole. This is my home and I love it here. I want to see it prosper and thrive and become the great city it can be. There is so much potential here. A great food offer, variety of employment and leisure opportunities. I would be standing up and advocating for Carlisle constituency. I want to see fairness in the way training opportunities are offered: on merit. I want to see people able to improve their circumstances and those of their families.
What are the major issues for Carlisle?	It seems to me that we have an ageing population who need support, accommodation and good transport links to be able to live a good old age. At the same time, we need to enable the younger population to stay in the area, feel able to settle down and start families knowing that there are good opportunities out there to help them to thrive too. Strong public services to support people to live their best lives. A level playing field to help the entrepreneurially-minded get their ideas off the ground and build businesses.

Brian Wernham, Liberal Democrats

	Brian Wernham, Liberal Democrats
Who are you?	The 63-year-old is a chartered engineer and lives in Stanwix, Carlisle.
How did you get into politics?	I wanted to improve my neighbourhood for all residents.
Why do you want to represent Carlisle?	I live in Carlisle.
What promises do you make to the people of Carlisle if you are elected?	I will not have a side job.
Why should people elect you?	Because I have worked hard for the city, and I could do so much more if I become MP for Carlisle.
What are the major issues for Carlisle?	The Cumberland Infirmary is running at 98% capacity. The cost of living is unsustainable. It should take only 45 minutes on the train to Newcastle, not 90.

Stephen Ward, Reform UK

	Stephen Ward, Reform UK
Who are you?	The 56-year-old is CEO of Armetis, an anti-child trafficking charity. He lives just outside Workington in West Cumbria. where he says he has strong family ties.
How did you get into politics?	My journey into politics began with a deep concern for the direction our country was heading, fed up with the lies politicians use just to get elected. Then I started reading the Maastricht Treaty and the Treaty of Rome in 1993, I was alarmed by their vision, which reminded me of other European dictatorships. This prompted me to stand for the Referendum Party in Romford in 1997 and again in the 2001 election. I later joined the police force, where I was unable to participate in politics. After leaving the police in 2013, I became active with UKIP and was elected as a councillor in 2014, holding the position of deputy mayor in 2015-2016. In 2019, I stood for the Brexit Party in Manchester. My commitment to political change has only grown stronger, leading me to stand with Reform UK to represent Carlisle. In essence, I just got fed up with the lies, not dishonesty just blatant lies and no one I spoke to in parliament ever responded to my questions.
Why do you want to represent Carlisle?	I look around at the world and see it being deliberately, systematically pulled apart for the WEF agenda 2030, where they say “You will own nothing and be happy”. I don’t want to have to rent my own clothes from Klaus Schwab because he and other un-elected sociopaths decide on a future that I have no interest in. Why Carlisle? Why not? It is a beautiful historical monument to the people of the county and country. It is a community close to my heart, where I see both potential and need. The people here deserve a representative who is committed to real change and who will prioritise their needs over political rhetoric, and I have had enough of rhetoric. I want to ensure that Carlisle receives the attention and resources it deserves, focusing on local issues such as healthcare, safety, and economic development.
What promises do you make to the people of Carlisle if you are elected?	I won’t make it a promise, I make it a contract that I can be measured to. I put skin in the game, unlike the other parties. How can you be held accountable when you cannot be held to be responsible for your actions? Advocate for better funding and resources for local hospitals and healthcare services. Support small businesses and local enterprises to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Implement effective crime prevention strategies and support our law enforcement agencies. Ensure the preservation and support of local pubs, community centres, and social hubs. Promote sustainable practices and protect our natural resources.
Why should people elect you?	I am a former police officer, and a small business owner who has the same problems as everyone. People should elect me because I am deeply committed to this community and bring a wealth of experience from diverse fields. My background in law enforcement, business, and international security equips me with the skills to address complex issues effectively. I have consistently demonstrated my dedication to accountability and transparency, making contractual commitments to ensure I am held accountable to the people I serve. If you have listened to the national campaign then you will see the issues we have to deal with today, not next year.
What are the major issues for Carlisle?	Healthcare access – Ensuring our hospitals and clinics are adequately funded and staffed. Economic development – Supporting local businesses and attracting investment to create job opportunities. Public safety – Enhancing crime prevention measures and ensuring a visible, effective police presence. Infrastructure improvement – Addressing road conditions, public transportation, and digital connectivity. Environmental concerns – Promoting sustainability and protecting our green spaces.

Where is the Carlisle constituency?

Boundaries for each of the constituencies in Cumbria have changed since the last election.

Here’s a map for the Carlisle constituency to show you the difference (slide the red bar across to discover the difference between the old and the new):

The changes to the other constituencies in Cumbria can be found here: