Local community champion selected as Windermere & Bowness by-election candidate

The contest is likely to be a close fight between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. The election was called because the previous councillor Hilary Stephenson decided that following her husband Jo's election as Deputy Leader of Cumbria County Council, it was not possible for them both to continue to devote their lives to politics and local government at the expense of their family and home. Consequently she decided to step down in order to support Jo politically and domestically.

Colin is currently a Windermere Town Councillor and works as a ranger for the National Trust. He lives in the heart of the community and his daughter went to local schools. He is a member of Windermere Golf Club and previously worked in the tourism and hospitality industry .

Tim Farron said: "Colin will make a fantastic representative for the area. He is hard working, passionate and someone who will get things done. The community have already seen him fighting for them on the town council and I know he can build on that if he is elected to South Lakeland District Council."

Colin said: "I hope to be given the chance to represent our area on South Lakeland District Council. I'm relishing the opportunity to serve the wider community and in the next few weeks I'll be pounding the streets, meeting local residents, finding out about local issues and how I can help."