LAST minute electioneering is taking place today as residents of Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland go to the polls to vote for the first members of Cumberland Council – a new authority for the entire patch.

Shadow Secretary for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Jonathan Reynolds was out on the campaign trail in Carlisle yesterday.

The front-bench Labour MP joined the party’s candidate for Morton Anne Quilter.

She was also supported by former Labour MP for Carlisle Eric Martlew and former leader of the city council Colin Glover.

Mr Reynolds, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: “A lovely afternoon in Carlisle, campaigning for Anne Quilter in the inaugural Cumberland Council elections.”

Neville Lishman, Conservative candidate for the ward was out and about early to cast his vote.

He said: “Polling day! Always a special day in a democracy. And this year I even get to vote for myself! However you vote, please do but my advice, would be vote Conservative.”

Gavin Hawkton, the Green Party candidate for Carlisle’s Castle ward has been out since early this morning getting in as much last minute campaigning as possible.

He said: “Thanks to everyone I’ve spoken to on the doorstep, those who already vote Green, those who aren’t sure and those who want a change.”

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Paul Nettleton is standing for election to the Houghton and Irthington seat for the Liberal Democrats.

Speaking yesterday on social media, he said: “If you’ll be voting on national issues tomorrow, remember it’s the Lib Dems who want a windfall tax on energy companies to help with the cost of living crisis.”