NEWS RELEASE Immediate: 8 November 2022

Labour’s ‘alternative government’ message as Cumbrian constituencies change

Labour leaders in Cumbria’s Parliamentary Constituencies say their party is a government-in-waiting, with local members ready for a General Election whenever it comes.

‘Cumbrian voters know there is an alternative – a better, fairer, greener and more secure future for our country with Labour after 12 years of failure from the Conservatives.’

All the Cumbrian seats are currently held by Conservative MPs apart from Westmorland and Lonsdale. However, on the basis of recent opinion polls, we are aiming to turn Cumbria red.’

Their message comes as the Boundary Commission for England (BCE) today revealed new maps with proposed changes to the boundaries of the county’s parliamentary seats, following a public consultation earlier this year.

‘In our consultation response to the original proposals, we and others pointed out that they defied the geography of Cumbria and long-established links between communities. We are pleased that the Boundary Commission has listened and is now proposing revised boundaries that take much better account of Cumbria’s geography and communities,’ said Paul Braithwaite, Chair of Westmorland & Lonsdale Constituency Labour Party.

‘Despite that, many people will be casting their vote in a different constituency than at the last General Election. The proposals create two new constituencies – Whitehaven & Workington and Penrith & Solway. Barrow & Furness, Carlisle, and Westmorland & Lonsdale will see changes to their existing boundaries.

But whatever exact boundaries the BCE finally settles on, our members are ready for an election at any time. We are regularly out talking with voters across Cumbria. Voters know they have a choice and that a Labour Government is a serious alternative, offering the chance of stability, fairness, and renewal of our public services, our economy and people’s standard of living.’

‘We urge people to ensure they have a right to vote by registering, if they haven’t already done so, through the official website www.gov.uk/register-to-vote’.

ENDS