A Cumbrian Conservative Party MP has described his vision for the future of his party.

Carlisle's MP John Stevenson, along with 11 other Conservative MPs launched a new group this week aiming to kickstart a debate on how the party can move on from Brexit and re-focus on domestic issues.

The group, called Blue Collar Conservativsm, is being led by party leadership contender and Tatton MP Esther McVey.

Attracting the support of nearly 100 Conservative MPs so far, the group will later this month begin a series of town-hall style meetings in pubs across the country.

Speaking after the launch of the group on Monday, Mr Stevenson said that he wants to see opportunities in Carlisle improve.

"Many issues that Blue Collar Conservatism stand for are the issues that matter to may of those living and working in our city.

"Education, infrastructure and good housing are practical issues that will ensure the future of Carlisle for the next generation.

"I want to ensure that not only Carlisle succeeds but the people of Carlisle succeed as well."

Mr Stevenson described Carlisle as a "great northern industrial city with national and international businesses such as Pirelli, Nestle, McVitie’s and Stobart with sites on our doorstep.

"Every year I hold a skills fair to demonstrate these opportunities in an attempt to encourage our young people to work and live on our city. We need to move the conversation on from Brexit and deliver what matters to the people of Carlisle."

During the launch event, group leader Esther McVey called for £4bn of investment in education, and £3bn for policing in the UK.

“What people want is for us to deliver Brexit and then deliver policies that matter to them and their families," she said.

"Brexit is important but people want us to be talking about domestic issues too. We need to get out there and engage with them and that is why I am launching Blue Collar Conservatism.

"Now is the time to reach out and listen and hear what people have got to say, what they want money spent on, and we need to deliver it.

“People want to know that their street is safe, want their children to go to a good school, want good NHS services, want to know we are tackling knife crime as well as creating new jobs, reducing unemployment and strengthening the economy and this group is going to listen and push to make it happen.”