THE Liberal Democrats have named county councillor Neil Hughes as their prospective Parliamentary candidate for the Workington constituency in anticipation of the general election, now widely expected in the coming weeks.

Coun Hughes has lived in Cumbria for much of his life and as a Liberal Democrat county councillor for the Eden Lakes division has been active in health and community matters. He also chaired West Cumbria’s Health Scrutiny Committee.

Party colleagues say he helped reprieve maternity services at West Cumberland Hospital and supports the Lib Dem proposal to raise income tax by 1p in the pound "to safeguard our NHS and to give parity of treatment to both physical and mental health."

Coun Hughes, who is also an active Housing Association member, said he wants to see the environment more effectively safeguarded in law. “I believe very strongly that remaining in the EU will assist protection of both the built and the rural environment and will be a massive positive influence in tackling climate change.”

West Cumbria Lib Dem President Elizabeth Barraclough said: “Neil reflects the strong values of Liberal Democracy. As an MP he will continue his campaign to build a fairer and more compassionate society, and will strongly support much better investment in the Northern regions of the UK.”