Tim Farron MP responds to local Conservative criticism

The Conservatives took aim at Mr Farron after he highlighted the impact of the government’s national insurance hike on Cumbrian hospitality industry.

James Alexander, the chair of the local Conservative group, said: “Do we really need our MP stoking the fires and reminding people of the government’s many failings?

“Surely the overwhelming responsibility of our MP is to bring hope and vision to his constituents, rather than spreading doom and gloom.”

He went on to ask why Mr Farron was “telling the whole country that things are bad in the Lakes” rather than working with Cumbria Tourism to encourage visitors to Cumbria or Kendal college for training opportunities.

Tim Farron has represented the constituency of Westmorland and Lonsdale since 2005 and served as the president of the Liberal Democrats during the coalition government and as their leader between 2015-2017.

Mr Alexander also said Mr Farron could be engaging with “tourism business leaders” to capitalise on the Lake District’s World Heritage status.

He finished his statement by saying Westmorland’s MP should be “pro-enterprise and proactive” instead of “constantly moaning in Parliament”.

In response, Mr Farron, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “As our MP, it is my job to listen to the concerns of local businesses and raise those issues directly with government ministers when I’m down in Westminster.

“So, it is utterly mind boggling that the Conservatives are publicly calling me for to stop representing the struggles of local people in Parliament.

“I’m proud to meet and work regularly with Cumbria Tourism, Kendal College and a whole host of organisations and education providers as we fight together to get a better deal for Westmorland.”