The Liberal Democrats has announced the selection of its candidate for Cumbria mayor.
Elections for the new role are expected to take place in May 2027, following the agreement this week by the county’s councils to establish a new combined authority, led by a mayor.
Libby Bateman, who lives near Kirkby Stephen, is the Liberal Democrat candidate.
She was a Cumbria County Council member from 2013 and 2017 and current board member of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.
Libby helped found a first responder team, establish a community bus charity and build a community broadband network and successfully campaigned to fund county-wide delivery.
She currently works for Fibrus and previously Libby spent seven years as a rural advisor and lobbyist for the Country Land and Business Association.
Libby said: “Cumbria is unique in its geography, economy, and communities, and we need investment that reflects those local realities, not a one-size-fits-all model.
“A mayoral strategic authority will bring decision-making powers and long-term funding home to Cumbria, allowing us to prioritise what matters most: better public transport, affordable housing, skills development, and safer, stronger communities.
“I’m honoured to have been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for mayor of Cumbria.
“Over the next 18 months, I’ll be out and about listening to people and businesses across the county, working together to shape a more resilient, prosperous future. This is not about one person, it’s about Cumbria having a stronger voice and a better deal for everyone.”
Tim Farron, Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “For this form of devolution to work for Cumbria, we need a mayor who is totally immersed in our communities, listening to and working with local people and businesses to tackle the issues facing our county.
“So I’m thrilled that Libby has been selected as our candidate – someone with a fantastic track record of getting alongside local communities to get things done, whether that’s better bus services or improved broadband.
“As a former Conservative councillor, she represents many people across our county who are appalled at what the Conservative Party have become in recent years, and have instead turned to the Liberal Democrats.
“Libby will fight to get Cumbria’s voice heard, and I’m proud to stand with her in that fight.”
