A CONSERVATIVE minister met with councillors and candidates at a South Lakeland college to help launch the party's local elections manifesto.

Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, who was once tipped as the Conservative Party's next leader, was the main speaker at the Kendal College event.

He spent time talking to students and local Conservative Party members and told those in attendance that the manifesto was one of the 'best' he had ever seen.

Mr Javid, who is the MP for Bromsgrove, said: “Looking at this manifesto, I’ve got to say, as Communities Secretary, I’ve seen many manifestos in anticipation of local elections and this is one of the best I’ve ever seen."

The launch came ahead of the public going to the polls on Thursday, May 4.

“You are focusing on all the key issues that really matter to people; keeping taxes low, making sure you serve everyone, whether rural or urban, young or old, and creating jobs and growth," Mr Javid said.

The Conservative’s ‘Putting Cumbrian Residents First’ manifesto includes commitments to caring for Cumbria’s children and families, providing a safe and well managed road network, securing and improving superfast broadband in Cumbria, protecting homes and businesses against flooding. One of the major policies is for better and cheaper local government.

In a direct challenge to the current Lib Dem and Labour-controlled Cumbria Cumbria County Council, Conservative group leader, Cllr James Airey, said: “Conservatives have a strong vision for Cumbria and we recognise that there is a clear appetite from the public for change.

"The Conservatives would form a new outward-looking administration, working with central government to bring investment and infrastructure into Cumbria and to support the jobs and the economy that Cumbria needs."

Mr Javid thanked Conservative Party members for the invitation to launch the manifesto and also congratulated Kendal College on its long-standing 'outstanding' status.