FORMER Prime Minister Boris Johnson has backed a Cumbrian MP's bid to stand in the new Penrith and Solway constituency.

Mr Johnson offered his support to Workington MP Mark Jenkinson, who has confirmed he will 'throw his hat in the ring' for the seat.

Mr Jenkinson has announced that he has made a bid to contest the next general election in the newly-created Penrith and Solway seat.

This constituency will run from Seaton in Workington and encompass Maryport, Cockermouth and the Solway, then east to Eden and Alston Moor.

Workington MP Mark Jenkinson said: “I have thrown my hat into the ring for the new Penrith and Solway constituency, the constituency in which I live, in which I have my constituency office, and which I have represented the vast majority of since 2019.

"Members will have the opportunity to pick a local candidate they know will be relentless in representing them. I will do so on my record of delivery, which continues across the patch.

"Constituencies are made up of many different people, sectors and businesses, and one thing I can’t be accused of is favouring one over another. I fight for every single constituent and put my constituency’s needs first.

"I am delighted to have the endorsement of many senior Conservative colleagues across Cumbria and in Westminster.”

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The MP has had a high-profile endorsement from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has branded Mr Jenkinson as a 'stand out of the 2019 intake'.

Rt. Hon. Boris Johnson MP, former Prime Minister said: “Mark has been a fantastic asset to the Workington constituency, and is the right choice for Penrith and Solway.

"He is one of the stand-outs of the 2019 intake - an asset to the Conservative Party and to his constituents. Not one to hold back, never afraid to speak truth to power and always relentlessly focused on the best interests of his local community.”

The process is understood to be starting in the coming weeks, with current Penrith and the Borders MP Dr Neil Hudson also contesting the seat against Mr Jenkinson.

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