JOHN Woodcock has been confirmed as the Labour-Cooperative candidate for Barrow and Furness at the general election after members of the community he has supported in his time as an MP joined forces to sign his nomination papers.

The signatories represent a cross-section of people and causes Mr Woodcock has championed as the MP.

Marjorie Bazley, a Walney pensioner, signed to support Mr Woodcock after he helped access funding to help her to travel hundreds of miles to visit her ill husband, and forced a change of practice resulting in more dementia sufferers being looked after closer to home.

Annnette Carmichael, the Broughton post office campaigner, added her name after Mr Woodcock led a successful campaign to save the post office from closure.

Shay McGuckin signed after Mr Woodcock helped secure better access to mental health services for her son and other young people in Furness suffering with mental health conditions.

They were joined by other people Mr Woodcock has helped in his time as MP.

Mr Woodcock said: “I am really touched that so many inspiring people I have worked with on community campaigns have come forward to sign my nomination papers.

“People know that a vote for me in the general election is a vote for a community MP who will always put Furness first, even when that causes controversy.

“Barrow and Furness needs a strong, independent, Labour voice in parliament fighting for us, not a Tory nodding dog who won't stand up against the damage a landslide Conservative will inflict on essential local services like Furness General Hospital."

Also fighting for the Barrow and Furness seat in the general election are Conservative Simon Fell and Liberal Democrat Loraine Birchall.