Our Plan
I have deep roots in Cumbria, understanding its cultural and natural significance. I want to serve you and make a difference. With my childhood connection to our region, I understand its needs and challenges firsthand. Our community needs vital inward investment, and I'm committed to tirelessly advocating for it. We can't afford to be left behind, risking our community becoming a retirement village with limited opportunities for the younger generation. It's time for a change.
People:
Support our Farmers:
Supporting profitable farming businesses, enhancing food security, and safeguarding the future of the British agriculture sector are key objectives.
- Advocating for increased investment in productivity schemes i.e. the Improving Farming Productivity Grant.
- Support rural infrastructure upgrades, like road enhancements, expanded broadband access, and the modernisation of agricultural facilities.
- Acknowledging the significance of mental health, our plan places farmers' well-being at the forefront.
- We will oppose any policy that undermines the agricultural importance of our region and I will campaign for support that empowers our farmers to sustainably produce the essential food we rely on.
Deliver Better Local NHS Services:
Ensure the NHS provides the best facilities. Support and develop initiatives to address mental health issues and improve access to mental health services in Westmorland and Lonsdale.
- We are fully committed to strengthening and funding our NHS to ensure that every resident in Cumbria has access to essential healthcare services.
- As part of this commitment, I am actively advocating for the provision of free staff parking at our Hospitals.
- It's crucial to prioritise both resident access to care and support for NHS staff.
Prioritise Local Values and Champion the Work of Local Charities:
We need Conservative leadership at both the local authority and parliamentary levels to champion local values.
- Emphasise building a resilient economy and empowering communities to pave the way for a brighter future in Cumbria.
- Support local charities and initiatives to strengthen community bonds and address local needs effectively.
Prosperity:
Positive Planning Culture:
Take on the negative planning culture entrenched within our constituency, striving to usher in a new era of real growth and opportunities for our home.
- It's time to shift the focus onto our people, prioritising their needs, aspirations, and livelihoods.
- We will cultivate an environment that supports and actively encourages innovation, progress, and sustainable development by challenging the status quo.
- We will work with the local council and UNESCO to build a more positive planning culture for an era of growth that leverages our unique heritage.
Let's pave the way for a brighter future that puts our people at the forefront of positive change.
Attract High-value, High-paying Jobs to Cumbria:
One way we will do this is by establishing a diverse economy along the A590 corridor, focusing on engineering and high-tech industries. Leverage our strategic position in the country, along both the A590 and A66, and we can realise this vision.
- This effort, complemented by top-tier educational institutions, aims to create a vibrant environment conducive to families and young professionals wanting to move here.
- Addressing A590 and A66 pressure points and bottlenecks ensures seamless traffic flow and fosters sustainable growth.
This is about jobs for your children and grandchildren.
- Promote job creation and entrepreneurship, placing a distinct emphasis on attracting high-value and high-tech employment opportunities.
- Envision Westmorland and Lonsdale evolving into a mini Silicon Valley, a hub of innovation and technological advancement.
- We aim to propel the region into a thriving centre for cutting-edge industries by fostering a culture that supports startups and innovative enterprises.
Enhance Local Education and Opportunities:
Ensure the highest quality education for our young people.
- Support, for example, Kendal College in becoming the leading hospitality, hotel, and catering institution in the UK.
- Empower graduates with the necessary business skills and backing, encouraging them to establish their careers within the local community.
Place:
Create Housing for Our Community and Visitor Economy:
Collaborate closely with the Cumberland and W&F planning Executives, House Builders/Associations, and the public to facilitate the construction of housing developments that cater to the needs of our expanding community.
- Supporting transparent and inclusive planning processes, we aim to address the housing demands and ensure sustainable growth.
In short, we will build more affordable houses for local people!
Improve our Roads and Access:
Prioritise road maintenance, especially addressing potholes.
- Ensure essential rural road connections to remote communities are well-maintained.
- Implement a sensible pedestrianised town centre with an outer road plan to alleviate Kendal's congestion and provide efficient access for commercial traffic to major trunk outlets.
- Maintain affordable £2 bus fares.
- Build the Kendal Northern Access Relief Road!
Champion our Visitor Economy:
Champion visitors, particularly in the Lake District National Park, the largest tourist destination outside London.
- Ensure adequate financial support for Cumbria Tourism to effectively represent the tourism industry.
- Prevent the Liberal Democrats from disrupting the balance between the Economy, Community, and Environment by prioritising sustainable growth and the well-being of residents in the visitor economy.
- Conduct a review of our UNESCO World Heritage Status to ensure it aligns with the needs and aspirations of our region.
Protect our Natural Beauty:
Collaborate with the Lake District National Park Authority, Environment Agency, the NFU, and other agencies to promote and safeguard our special area's sustainability, diversity, and resilience.
- Work closely with local communities, landowners, and conservation organisations to ensure responsible land use and protection of our National Parks.
- Maintain our standing in the 'best places in the UK' top 10 rankings to safeguard our region's brand.
