Meet the councillors – your newly elected representatives on Cumberland Council

Voters selected 18 new councillors to represent the Carlisle area on the new Cumberland Council in May in a historic local election.

A shadow authority has now formed, which is overseeing the planning and preparation for the new unitary council which will take over in April 2023.

Labour will be the largest party on the new Cumberland Council, after winning 30 of the 46 available seats in May’s elections.

The Conservatives took seven seats, Liberal Democrats four, Greens two and independents three.

The News & Star will regularly introduce some of the Carlisle area’s newly elected councillors, who have opened up about themselves and shared what they hope to achieve in their new roles.

Lisa Brown – Labour – Currock

“I was born in Currock, and my family have lived there going back generations so being elected as councillor for the ward is a huge honour and responsibility that I will not take lightly.

“I am also proud to represent all the residents of Cumberland as deputy leader of the council and working alongside the leader Mark Fryer and other deputy Emma Williamson, I know that Cumberland is going to see some real positive changes and residents in Currock will really benefit from this.

“I am a mum to 3 children, and I am passionate about support for local communities, whether that's services for children and adults, or looking at how the cost of living has an impact on working families.

“I want this council to be one that really listens to the voices of the communities it serves; works closely with residents and groups to improve the services we deliver and be a Council that really does listen and act.

“I look forward to working in the ward and getting to know as many people as I can.

“If you have ideas on things you would like to see in Currock, either events or improvements to the area then I really do want to hear from you.

“Your current city and county councillors are still your main point of contact this year, but I’m looking forward to April next year when we can all work together to make our area one of the best!”

Lucy Patrick – Labour – Belle Vue

“I was delighted to be elected as the Cumberland Councillor for the Harraby South ward in Carlisle.

“I think it was the right decision to create two new unitary councils for Cumbria and have a fresh start for local government across the new Cumberland area.

“As an individual, I am committed to equality, and it is good to see that 35 per cent of Cumberland councillors are women.

“This is a meaningful increase compared to current county councillor representation (across the same wards) and I believe we will make better decisions as a council because of this.

“We have a big task ahead of us, and as we transition to day one of our new council next April the expectation is that residents won’t notice a difference in terms of service delivery when Cumberland goes ‘live’.

“However, I hope people do notice real change over the following years as we work to transform services for the better and make decisions closer to communities.

“My priorities are to represent my residents and work with colleagues for improved children’s services, increased and inclusive economic growth and revitalised town and city centres.

“I live in Carlisle and have two grown-up children and a small dog.

“My dad was from Whitehaven and as a child, many holidays, days out, and happy times were spent in West Cumbria and on the Solway.

“My favourite place after home is Silloth.”

Abdul Harid – Labour – Belle Vue

“I am absolutely thrilled and excited to be on this new historic Cumberland Council, I would like to thank the residents of Belle Vue for putting faith in electing me as their representative.

“I am truly honoured and privileged to have been elected as the vice chairman.

“As a councillor with my skills and experience, I will manage change and ensure residents and the community are at the heart of what I do.

“I have lived in Carlisle for over 30 years, I was a city councillor for over 12 years, I had businesses in Carlisle which I owned and managed for over 23 years and contributed to local charities and supported local community projects.

“I am a hardworking school governor for over 15 years and support the local people.

“I will get the streets and neighbourhoods clean from litter and fly-tipping.

“I will support and listen to local people, bringing communities together and making sure you are heard.

“There is a lack of affordable houses including houses to rent with the new council I am committed to building up high-quality homes.

“I am liaising with the police and agencies to address the current anti-social behaviour issues.

“I will improve green spaces for all to enjoy and facilities for children and young people, also improve air quality for residents and act on their concerns

“I am aware nobody can get a doctor or dentist without waiting.

“I will be a strong voice to fight to provide these vital services.

“I am passionate and committed to making a real difference in people’s lives and delivering vital services.”

Anne Glendinning – Labour – Castle

“I am proud to be elected for the Castle ward in Carlisle for the new council which will come into being next year, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote and will do my best to represent all residents in the ward.

“I am a city councillor and some years ago was a county councillor so have experience of both.

“I have lived in Carlisle all my life and most of my family live here in different parts of the city

“Making sure the new council is up and running as smoothly as possible next year is important as we will be providing a lot of different services that residents and their families need, services we need to both protect and improve where we can

“We also need to do all we can to help the local economy and economic development of our areas for everyone particularly young people so they can see a future for them

“It’s good we have people from different backgrounds and different ages on the new council who will bring their experience and knowledge to the new council, so we can work to make all of Cumberland a good place to live and visit   

“We need to bring the services together, but at the same time recognise the different needs of areas in Cumberland.”