A YOUNG Boris Johnston was bringing a general election message to Barrow back in 2001 – and is just one of the many well known political figures to have visited through the decades.

Mr Johnston was then editor of the Spectator and was the guest of the Barrow Conservative Association.

He was fighting the Henley-on-Thames seat and came to offer his support to Barrow Conservative candidate James Airey at a dinner held in the Lisdoonie Hotel.

Serving Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher toured Barrow’s Furness General Hospital and Devonshire Dock Hall in 1986.

In June 1983 Denis Healey was in Barrow to support Labour candidate Albert Booth.

Baron Healey served as Defence Secretary, Chancellor and deputy party leader.

The 1992 election saw Labour send Jack Straw – Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary – while the Conservatives had Michael Heseltine meeting voters in Dalton Road.

Baron Heseltine is a former Environment Secretary, Defence Secretary and President of the Board of Trade.