We asked the candidates for Carlisle if they were successful in this year’s General Election, what would the constituency look like in five years’ time.
Parliament runs on a fixed term of five years – so unless another General Election is called in the meantime, or other events force a by-election, the person chosen as MP for Carlisle has until 2029 to make a difference.
We asked every candidate we have been able to make contact with – and would encourage anyone standing in this constituency to get in touch.
Here’s what Carlisle candidates had to say – in their own words:
John Stevenson, of the Conservative Party
In many respects the groundwork has already been done. Carlisle and the borders are well positioned to develop and grow in a positive way. Of course, there are and will be challenges, but the investment pipeline is now in place.
To succeed an area needs investment both public and private. It requires the skills and the industries that have a positive future. Carlisle and the Borders has these ingredients. Firstly, we have in the pipeline substantial public investment.
The southern ring road will be completed in 2025 which improves the connectivity of the city and the wider area. The ring road will open up the Garden Village which will provide housing well into the future.
We have the station refurbishment bring the railway station up to a modern standard. The university will be moving into the city centre next door to the station.
The university move will help reshape the city centre bringing people and vibrancy to the city centre which is clearly one of the challenges for the area.
We will then have a thriving university along with a successful college providing the skills for the area. A good example is the medical school which opens in 2025 potentially transforming the local health environment.
Julie Minns, of the Labour Party
Healthier, more optimistic and realising our full potential.
Carlisle is a fantastic city with a rich history, surrounded by beautiful countryside, interesting towns and lovely villages.
But our greatest asset is our people.
We need a Labour government that will invest in our health service, our schools and our transport system, so that our people, our communities and our businesses can thrive and prosper.
That’s the change Labour will bring.
Stephen Ward, of Reform UK
If elected, my vision of Carlisle is one of a thriving city, a vibrant community with improved public services, a robust local economy, and enhanced quality of life for all residents.
Our healthcare system will be better funded, reducing waiting times and providing high-quality care. Local businesses will flourish, supported by fair tax policies and investment incentives, creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth.
Public safety will be a top priority, with effective crime prevention strategies and a strong, visible police presence ensuring that residents feel secure.
Infrastructure improvements will see our roads and public transportation systems upgraded, and digital connectivity will be enhanced to meet the needs of a modern community.
Environmental initiatives will protect our natural resources and promote sustainable practices, ensuring that Carlisle remains a beautiful and healthy place to live. Community centres, including our beloved pubs, will be preserved and supported as vital social hubs.
In five years, Carlisle will be a model of what a community-focused, proactive approach to governance can achieve.
Together, we will build a future that is prosperous, and safe.
Rachel Hayton, of the SDP
Like many people I’ve become disillusioned with establishment parties and want to change things for the better. This is our home – we love it and want to protect it, preserving its character and developing its potential.
I’m envisaging clean, cheap and frequent public transport links around the constituency. A thriving city centre in Carlisle with busy dynamic hubs in Brampton and Longtown, showcasing our excellent food offer and artisan arts and crafts.
I want to see SMEs springing up showing the innovation that happens in this area supported by our local centres of learning, developing our young people through creative apprenticeships and learning opportunities offering a viable alternative to university.
I want to see clean affordable energy, secure health care provided in a timely manner and social care adequately provided and funded. I would liaise with the appropriate local organisations to ensure that our security is prioritised within the constituency of Carlisle and nationally.
Gavin Hawkton, of the Green Party
If elected, I see our constituency transforming into a community where every resident feels heard and valued. Our area has felt neglected for too long, but with fresh and determined leadership, we can drive the change we need. In five years, I envision our area to be a place where public services are robust and reliable, free from the grip of privatisation and our local NHS fully funded to ensure timely and comprehensive healthcare for all.
Education will be a cornerstone of our progress. As a tutor, I understand the critical role education plays in shaping futures. I will work tirelessly to ensure our schools, colleges, and universities receive the support they need, providing better opportunities for our young people and equipping them with the skills necessary for what is a rapidly changing job market.
A wealth tax will redistribute wealth and revitalise our local economy through sustainable practices and green jobs. By investing in renewable energy projects and supporting local businesses, we can create a vibrant, resilient economy that benefits everyone. We need bold policies and leadership to make that happen.
If elected, our area will no longer feel left behind; instead, it will be a shining example of what can be achieved when we prioritise people over profits. This is the future I am dedicated to building with your support.
Brian Wernham, of the Liberal Democrats
I envision a transformed Carlisle in five years, characterised by a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous community.
Environmental protection must ensure Carlisle becomes sewage-free by holding water companies accountable and enforcing strict regulations to prevent sewage dumping into our rivers to restore the natural beauty of our waterways, enhancing public health and the local environment.
To address flooding, the Lib Dems would embrace nature-based upstream solutions and ensure sustainable drainage systems in new developments. Local authorities’ powers to manage water health must be strengthened.
Supporting the city’s shops is a cornerstone of my local economic policy. The Lib Dems would reform business rates, replacing them with a fairer Commercial Landowner Levy to reduce the financial burden on small businesses. Additionally, my investment in gigabit broadband would ensure all local businesses, including those in rural areas, have the connectivity needed to thrive.
My vision includes a rooftop solar revolution and investing in renewable energy. I would lower energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, positioning Carlisle and the Cumberland ‘Energy Coast’ as a leader in the green economy.
I see a Carlisle that is environmentally sustainable, economically vibrant, and resilient against climate challenges, ensuring a high quality of life for everyone.
