Lib Dem councillor announces retirement after 21 years of service

Long-standing Liberal Democrat councillor Neil Hughes has announced he will be stepping down as the councillor for Eamont and Shap next month, due to health reasons.

Neil has represented the area for the past 21 years on Eden District Council, Cumbria County Council, and most recently on Westmorland and Furness Council where, until recently, he served as the portfolio holder for transport.

A by-election will take place in the New Year, where local resident Nicki Vecqueray will be standing for the Liberal Democrats.

Nicki lives in Rosgill, near Shap. She is a physiotherapist, and currently works part-time in a GP practice. Over the past 24 years she’s worked in a number of places around the county including for The Fire Fighters Charity in Eamont Bridge.

In her spare time, Nicki has volunteered for the mental health charity Growing Well at Tebay Services, and Spring to Sea clearing litter from upland becks in the Bampton valley.

Neil said: “It has been a joy to meet and work with so many great people to try to deliver positive change for our area. In particular I’ve been proud of the work we’ve achieved together on reducing speeding traffic and improving local bus services.

“Unfortunately I have experienced a number of health issues over the past year . So it is with a heavy heart that I’ve decided to step down as our local councillor and move away from the area.

“While I’m sad to have reached this decision, I’m really happy that local resident Nicki Vecqueray is standing to be my successor.

“I’ve known Nicki for a long time and over the past few months she has been working alongside me and our local MP Tim Farron on a number of local campaigns such as improving access to the NHS and protecting our rivers from sewage.”

Nicki Vecqueray said: “Neil has been an absolutely brilliant and dedicated councillor for our area for many years - he will be sorely missed.

“Standing to be Neil’s successor means I have big shoes to fill. But if I’m lucky enough to be elected, I’m determined to give everything I’ve got to be an approachable and hard working councillor who makes sure our community’s voice is heard when council decisions are made in Kendal.

“My background is in healthcare and community work, and these will be my big focuses as I campaign alongside our fantastic local MP Tim Farron.”