IN a fiercely contested by-election, one Cumbrian constituency elected its first Conservative MP in more than 80 years exactly 12 months ago today (23).

The area was thrown into the national spotlight after Labour MP Jamie Reed announced he would be stepping down in December 2016 from the role he held since 2005.

Up stepped Bootle resident Trudy Harrison to see off competition from six other candidates and take her seat in Parliament.

She said: "What a year it has been. Having never considered a career in politics, it's been a very steep learning curve but it's surprising what can be achieved with a positive attitude, lots of effort, a talented, hard working team and the most supportive family and friends network.

"On reflection, it has been an extremely challenging year in politics, but not knowing anything different I have embraced every challenge with my usual enthusiasm and tackled the difficulties head on.

"Let's face it, being a MP is an incredible privilege but it does come with a tough schedule and a requirement to really understand and connect with the community. That's what I stood for and that's the job I'm really enjoying getting in with."

The Conservative candidate stood after serving as a Bootle parish councillor between 2004 and 2007, and won a majority in Copeland of 2,147, ahead of Labour candidate Gillian Troughton.

Across the borough, Mrs Harrison has fought tirelessly for a number of causes and with a number of local campaign groups, including Autism Around the Combe.

She said: "My office has been able to help hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals with their issues, which are wide ranging and often complex.

"I have been able to champion some much needed improvements, such as better Autism provision and the need for faster and more reliable digital connectivity.

"I was elected on a plan for Copeland, focusing on nuclear, road, rail, digital, health and education, but it's equally critical to support industry, farming, tourism and the businesses in our towns and villages.

"Campaigning on a single issue will never work. What Copeland needs is sustained, significant investment and joined-up effort across all services and sectors. I feel that speaking for Cumbria with one voice is something I've been able to support and it's my way of working. I'm far more interested in progress than politics."

The mother-of-four had previously campaigned to save Captain Shaw's Primary School.

She said: "There have been so many proud moments in the last year it's impossible to pick just one.

"My job is an incredible privilege and I have the honour of meeting incredible people both at home in Copeland and across the country.

"My work with the armed forces has been truly inspiring, learning about our sovereignty and global humanitarian efforts, the ability to protect trading routes and witnessing the training required for our world beating defence capability. Britain's air, sea and ground services are internationally celebrated and respected and having learned more about the positive aspects of the Forces, it fills me with pride.

"Everyday I will learn something new about Copeland and meet a special person or amazing organisation who give up their time to help others.

After retaining her seat in June's general election, Mrs Harrison is planning for more in her second year representing her constituency.

She said: "Year one for me has been about meeting with people, listening and understanding the challenges, making sense of the capability, the barriers to success and the actions required to get Copeland's economy growing, its transport infrastructure moving and our community far more confident.

"I'm in a fortunate position to hear first hand about the plans for Copeland but in our towns and villages there remains sceptisism which holds back progress.

"A 'can do' attitude is far more conducive to success and a 'can do' community will prosper with confidence. I want to play a part in that transformation because I have enormous passion for the people and absolute confidence in Copeland's ability to succeed as a place."

Following her win in February's by-election, Prime Minister Theresa May took to the streets of Millom to congratulate her newest Conservative recruit.

Mrs Harrison said: "At every opportunity I raise the flag for my community and will continue to do that in every job I do.

"We have every reason for the Prime Minister to revisit Copeland, and indeed for the Ministerial team to return.

"I know that Theresa May enjoyed both her visits to Copeland, but I don't need any walking holiday crazy ideas anytime soon."