TORY Party chairman Eric Pickles threw his weight behind Gareth McKeever’s election campaign with a flying visit to Milnthorpe market.

Mr Pickles, who stayed overnight at Number 43 in Arnside, joined the prospective parliamentary candidate for a tour of the stalls and met traders.

He said: “Westmorland and Lonsdale is absolutely mega in terms of its importance.

“In order for David Cam eron to have a majority he has to attract significant numbers of Liberal Democrat voters and here is a key target to do that.”

“The country needs change of direction.”

and change of Prime Minister. I’m hoping that Westmorland and Lonsdale will be part of that change.”