I would like to thank Mr Froggatt for his letter because it allows me to clarify something very important (Letters, July 30, ‘Has Tim made a big mistake?’). I will continue to live, work and focus my activity here in Westmorland. Just because other party leaders are London-based doesn’t mean that I will be!

I have always sought to be a different kind of MP, and now I will seek to be a different kind of leader - one who is not sucked in by the Westminster elite. My home and the majority of my time will continue to be spent in Westmorland. There are already plenty of ‘London-based politicians’ who are out of touch with the lives of most people. I am determined that I will not become one of them.

I will always be Westmorland’s man in Westminster and never the other way around. I am proud that I am the MP for the community I live in, love and where my children go to school. It is the greatest honour I could have have bestowed upon me.

I will also use my new role as leader of the Liberal Democrats to get even more things done for our community as we aim to win more services for Westmorland General Hospital, get more affordable homes for local families and provide more apprenticeships for local young people.

Tim Farron

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP

Milnthorpe