JAMES Airey has been named as the Conservative candidate for the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency in the June 8 General Election.

Mr Airey, who is leader of the Conservatives on Cumbria County Council, confirmed the news on social media last night (April 27).

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He said: "It is a huge honour and privilege to be selected to lead the Conservative charge here in Westmorland and Lonsdale. If elected to represent the people of the constituency into which I was born, you can be sure I will never put my own political ambitions ahead of serving the people of this area.

“Only Theresa May and the Conservatives can Build a Better Britain. Only the electorate of Westmorland and Lonsdale can ensure this constituency has a strong local voice with a Conservative MP speaking at the heart of a Conservative government to deliver that Better Britain.

“I pledge to ensure that all of you who share a passion for this area, who work so hard to achieve so much – in our hospitals and schools, in our businesses and voluntary organisations, at home and at work - I will not only be here to serve you, but I will always seek to highlight your contribution to our fantastic home.”

The only other known candidate in the constituency is sitting MP Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat), while an independent, Mr Fish Finger, has also indicated he will by campaigning for the seat.