A local politician is to take on Liberal Democrat party leader Tim Farron in the battle to represent Westmorland and Lonsdale in parliament.

Urswick farmer James Airey was formally selected as the prospective parliamentary candidate for his party in the south Cumbria constituency on Thursday.

The seasoned councillor, who has been an elected representative on both South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria County Council for a number of years, is set to begin his campaign for votes in the general election on June 8.

Mr Airey, who is also standing to continue to represent Ulverston in the county council elections on Thursday, pledged to put residents first if he won the seat.

He also confirmed local healthcare, including services at Westmorland General Hospital, are set to feature heavily as one of his campaign priorities.

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.”

Kendal-born Mr Airey, who is the leader of Cumbria's Conservative group, is married to wife Caroline. They have a son, Owen.

His selection was made following a vote of members within the area.


Tim Farron Westmorland and Lonsdale was held by the Conservatives until 2005, when Liberal Democrat Tim Farron secured victory from incumbent Tory MP Tim Collins.

Mr Farron went on to win twice more; in 2010 and 2015 - with the seat now considered one of the Liberal Democrat party's safest UK seats.

But Mr Airey said: "Over recent weeks, I have been with my council colleagues knocking on the doors of residents throughout the area.

"It's clear that there are many former voters for other parties who will be supporting the Conservatives to build a stronger Cumbria on May 4 and a stronger Britain in the general election on June 8.

"I pledge to 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."