A Labour shadow minister was in Carlisle this week to back candidate Julie Minns.
Anneliese Dodds, shadow secretary of state for women and equalities, met Carlisle voters when she went canvassing with Julie Minns and Labour activists in Belle Vue.
Her time in Carlisle follows on from visits by Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner, shadow energy secretary Ed Miliband, shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry and shadow environment secretary Steve Reed.
Ms Dodds said: “It is really important that Carlisle has an MP who is as ambitious for them as they are for themselves and their children.
“Julie has had a great record of campaigning for local people such as protecting the city’s Victorian Turkish Baths. She understands the challenges local people face – she is a carer herself – I know she would be the strong voice for people in Carlisle and its rural areas.”
Her visit focused on helping the teams of Labour supporters who have been out canvassing three to four times a day across the enlarged Carlisle constituency. The team aim to speak with at least 1,000 voters a week and have spoken to over 15,000 people during the campaign.
Ms Minns said she was delighted with the boost the visit had given everyone with just a week until election day.
She said: “It has been great to have Anneliese here with us today. She is one of a number of shadow cabinet ministers who’ve come to help us here in Carlisle.
“Anneliese knows what it is like in Carlisle – that nothing has got better over the last 14 years and people really do want and need change.”
“When I have been speaking to Labour’s top team like Angela Rayner, Ed Milliband and Anneliese we have discussed Carlisle’s potential and the ways we can seize the opportunities that a new Labour government will create. When Steve Reed visited recently we discussed the challenges our rural communities are facing, and the financial pressure our farmers are under.
“That’s why Labour’s pledge to ensure schools and hospitals buy 50% of their produce from British farmers is so important to areas like ours,” she added.
Ms Minns has also been endorsed by former Carlisle MP Eric Martlew.
“I have known Julie since she was a teenager and am delighted she is the Labour candidate as she was born, bred and educated in Carlisle and fully understands its people and its problems.
“Her experience in Westminster will be beneficial to the city and she will be a full time MP – something Carlisle has been lacking since 2010. Please give her your support,” said Eric.
