The unusual timing of Thursday’s General Election led to unusual surroundings for the count in Carlisle.
The election count in the city is traditionally held in the Sands Centre. However, as the current host of Carlisle’s pantomime, the venue was unable to accommodate the count this year.
Instead, Carlisle City Council threw open its doors to host the count in the Civic Centre.
Festooned with Christmas decorations, the Civic Centre provided a less-than-usual backdrop for election drama.
One Liberal Democrat counting agent had even marked the occasion by donning a festive jumper.
However, the seasonal surroundings did little to cheer the Labour members present, defeated again in Carlisle and forced to watch their last MP in Cumbria, Sue Hayman, denied a return to Parliament.
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