The Conservative parliamentary candidate for the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency said the area ‘risks becoming a retirement village’.

Matty Jackman was announced as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale in November and has spoken of his view for 2024.

The 28-year-old, who lives in Grasmere, said: “My outlook for 2024 as the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale is centred on positive change. We have been underserved for 18 long years. With new constituency boundaries, we need new leadership and a renewed voice. I am the local voice and the local choice.

“Serving as a Captain in the Armed Forces and having worked within central Government, I’ve devoted myself to our country. Now, I’m eager to deliver results for our constituency. Stepping up to serve the people of Westmorland and Lonsdale, I aim to demonstrate the value I can bring to our home. I am excited for the challenges and adventures that lie ahead.

“With roots firmly planted here since childhood, I understand our needs and the challenges we face. We need a dedicated MP who can secure crucial inward investment. I will tirelessly fight for the support our community rightfully deserves.

“We’ve been left behind, and our community is at risk of becoming a retirement village with limited opportunities for the younger generation. This needs to change.”

Mr Jackman 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.