THE Conservative candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale said that constituents have a 'once-in-a-generation' opportunity for change with July election. 

Matty Jackman (28) welcomed the news that the General Election will happen on July 4. 

He will be competing against the incumbent Liberal Democrat Tim Farron and other candidates such as Pippa Smith from the Labour Party and James Townley from Reform UK. 

He said: "The choice is clear: stick with the plan for a safer, more secure and prosperous future with Rishi Sunak or go back to square one with Keir Starmer and the same old Labour. 

"I am honoured that local people have put their trust in me to fight for Westmorland and Lonsdale. I am a local lad, living and working in the area. I also have experience in defence, the armed forces, and at the heart of central government. With this, I can understand and act on community and national issues in a joined-up way”

"People across our area are desperate to have a new and strong local voice representing them in Parliament.”

“From Brough to Grange and Coniston to Kirkby Stephen, we are ready for the progress on community collaboration and innovative economic solutions that I will bring.”

Mr Jackman, who grew up in Grasmere, has been in the Army Reserve and has worked as a senior project manager in central government. 

Mr Farron said yesterday that the Election 'couldn't come soon enough' and that he has got 'bags of energy.' 

He said some of the top issuers voters have been speaking to him about include healthcare, particularly cancer treatment, 'excessive' second home ownership, introducing 'genuinely affordable' and social homes for locals, and the environment. 

The constituency boundaries will see a great deal of change after the next election. Kirkby Lonsdale will become part of Morecambe and Lunesdale, currently represented by Conservative David Morris. 

Westmorland and Lonsdale will expand northwards to include Kirkby Stephen, Appleby and Greystoke.