A COCKERMOUTH councillor will be standing for parliament – near Liverpool.

Rebecca Hanson, a county councillor and former town councillor, will be the Liberal Democrats candidate for Bootle in the upcoming general election.

In 2017, Councillor Hanson, who campaigned for keeping maternity services in the area, stood for Copeland.

“I’ve been under a lot of pressure to stand for parliament again. I spend several days each week in Liverpool,” said Councillor Hanson, whose husband works there.

“I’ve therefore decided to accept the opportunity of standing for election in the Bootle constituency.

“I’m doing this to learn a great deal more about the UK.

“Most people know that I’ve done a great deal of national policy work on regulation.

“The Health and Safety Executive is based in Bootle and standing there will bring the opportunity of exploring this field in more detail.

“Bootle and West Cumbria both have areas with substantial urban challenges. I’m keen to share best practice between the two and am already starting to do so.”

She has been a county councillor for the past three years and intends to stay in post until 2021.

She stood down as town councillor earlier this year.

“I intend to complete my term and continue to focus on environmental issues and my role as chairman of the West Cumbria Youth Mental Health Network,” said Councillor Hanson.

The mental health network was launched in June by Councillor Hanson in a bid to tackle what she called the “catastrophic” youth mental health crisis in West Cumbria.

More than 70 people took part in the all-day conference which was funded by Cumbria County Council.

The Bootle seat is a Labour stronghold but Councillor Hanson is enjoying life on the campaign trail.

“It’s a great challenge and such a privilege to be part of the Lib Dem community,” she said.