Christmas Update 2023

I want to start by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and a huge thank you to everybody who has been so supportive of my campaign so far.

It has been a busy few months since I was selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the new constituency of Penrith & Solway and our team has started to come together.

Change is possible and I am confident if we join together, we can remove this awful government and provide hope and a new future for us all.

Local Meetings

We held three meetings in Dalston, Cockermouth and Penrith where I was able to meet with lots of residents who voiced their concerns. The issues discussed ranged from the Penrith Pong to the Israel/Gaza conflict to phone signal blackouts.

The next meet the candidate event is in Keswick on the 31st January 2024, 7pm at Crossthwaite Parish Rooms.

Stay safe this Christmas

Although this time of year provides many with a chance to have a break from work and spend time with their families. There are many who aren’t as fortunate and may be struggling.

Many people feel overwhelmed, especially as the dark nights are here and you may be under pressure in your private or professional life. Please don’t hesitate to call the Samaritans number, even if you simply just want someone to talk to (116 123).

Also, the Cumbrian based charity Every Life Matters (www.every-life-matters.org.uk) provides lots of resources to help those who are struggling with their mental health.

Also, with the costs of basic goods continuing to increase, many will also feel under intense financial strain this festive season. If you want free advice on how to deal with some of these pressures then please contact the Citizens Advice Bureau. (www.citizensadvice.org.uk); they provide thousands of people each year with realistic, achievable debt advice.

Local campaigns

I have also spent a lot of time around the constituency, meeting various people who are doing incredible amounts of work for their local areas. I learned an awful lot from those behind the proposed community buyout of the pub at Nenthead and how vital facilities such as these are in rural areas.

It was also excellent to see first hand the work being done to get the bridge in Cockermouth re-opened after half the town had been cut off for a number of weeks.

However, the highlight so far was seeing over 1,000 people attend the rally around Thirlmere to lobby United Utilities to re-open the road. This seemed like a hopeless situation just a few months ago, but through the sheer determination of those behind the campaign, it is looking more likely than ever that the road might re-open. We are keeping a close eye on United Utilities progress and will arrange another event if required.