THE Conservatives have announced their new candidate to challenge for the Westmorland and Lonsdale seat at the next general election.

The party has selected 28-year-old Matty Jackman who works for the Home Office as their parliamentary candidate for the next general election.

He will compete against current Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron who has held the Westmorland and Lonsdale seat since 2005.

Mr Jackman said: “I have been raised among the fells of Westmorland and Lonsdale, fuelled, in part, by Grasmere Gingerbread and Kendal Mint Cake. I came to the Lake District aged seven. It's where I've built my life and have become ‘hefted’ - deeply rooted - in our remarkable place and community.”

The 28-year-old lives in Grasmere and is a Capitan in the British Army Reserve.

Mr Jackman added: “My love for this place and its people has led me to serve both my local community and my country. I know people living and working here want a local MP to get on with the job and deliver on the Government’s plans.”

He will replace the previous parliamentary candidate, James Airey who received 23,861 votes in 2019, an equivalent of 45.3 per cent of the vote which represented a 0.9 per cent gain on the previous general election.

Mr Jackman said: “As someone with strong local ties, I know what matters to people here I am active in the party and have plans to bring in MPs and support from around the country to help me in Westmorland - a seat I believe we can win.

"The party conference, which I recently attended, confirmed my policy direction. I have had direct input in my work at the Home Office to put in place the necessary infrastructure to tackle illegal immigration.

“Until the next election, I will be working hard to show people here I am the right person to become their MP and help improve the lives of families right across the constituency.”