LABOUR candidates in neighbouring Cumbrian constituencies have officially launched their campaigns - with one highlighting the support of a campaigning mum and the other endorsed by a leading party peer.

John Woodcock’s candidacy was officially proposed by Dalton-in-Furness mum Laura Reid - a leading light in the successful campaign to save Furness General’s maternity unit - and seconded by shipyard nuclear engineer Mike Jones.

Mr Woodcock revealed that he got on his bike to cycle round the Barrow and Furness constituency he is defending so he could garner the support of residents from every walk of life, including shipyard workers, business owners and health campaigners.

Other individuals who have signed John’s nomination papers include Liza Brady, one of the family members who campaigned for the truth following tragic loss at the maternity unit and Jane Rousseau, of the Square Cafe in Broughton-in-Furness.

Mr Woodcock said: “The greatest privilege in representing Barrow and Furness over the past five years has been the remarkable local people I have worked with, campaigned alongside or done my best to help.”

Meanwhile, Westmorland and Lonsdale Labour hopeful John Bateson had his candidacy endorsed by the former Labour MP David Clark, now Lord Clark of Windermere.

The peer attended Mr Bateson’s launch at Abbot Hall Social Centre in Kendal, which is Mr Bateson’s home town.