A political challenger eyeing up the seat of Tim Farron claims the Lib Dem leader has "had things his own way for too long".

James Airey is campaigning to return the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency to the Conservatives following its Liberal Democrat rule since 2005.

With his name on the Tory ticket, the farmer and longstanding county politician claims the area, considered a safe yellow seat, is winnable for the Conservatives at the June 8 general election.

"It is winnable, definitely," he said in an interview with the Evening Mail.

"But no-one can ever be complacent in politics, there's a lot of work to do.

"I am out on the doorsteps, speaking to people and listening to their issues.

"It's clear people are looking for a real alternative."

Mr Airey, 48, added: "Tim has had things his own way for too long."


Tim Farron Married father-of-one Mr Airey was born in Kendal and grew up in the area.

He has contested seats in two previous elections; Barrow and Furness in 2001 and Morecambe and Lunesdale in 2005.

He is now combines being a sheep breeder in Urswick with being Cumbria County Council's top Tory as leader of the authority's Conservative group.

While Mr Farron has championed local hospital services throughout his 12 year tenure as MP, Mr Airey also claims the NHS is one of his key election priorities.

His selection as Conservative parliamentary candidate for the area was announced at Westmorland General Hospital, in Kendal last month.

He said: "I've wanted to stand here for some time. I'm local, I know this area and certainly in this for the long game.

"We need a strong Conservative voice for Westmorland and Lonsdale for this area to have the ear of government.

"I hope people will vote for me to be that voice in Westminster."