Local community champions selected for Windermere by-election

The Liberal Democrats have selected local residents Colin Jones and Dyan Jones to fight the Windermere By-Elections on 2nd October.

The by-election follows the tragic death of Councillor Jo Stephenson. Jo was County Councillor for Windermere and also represented Windermere Town on South Lakeland District Council.

The contest is likely to be a close fight between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.

The Liberal Democrat candidate for Cumbria County Council is Colin Jones and for South Lakeland District Council the party is putting forward Dyan Jones.

Colin is currently a Windermere Town Councillor and represents Bowness North on South Lakeland District Council. He works as a ranger for the National Trust. Colin was elected for the Bowness North ward in 2013 with 61% of the vote. He's lived in Windermere for over 15 years with his wife Anna and daughter Holly. He is a member of Windermere Golf Club and previously worked in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Colin opposes on-street car parking charges in Windermere and spoke at the public meeting about the plans at the Marchesi Centre in June. He's pledged to vote against the introduction of charges if he's elected on 2nd October. Colin has also secured funding to bring a lifesaving defibrillator to the village, which has recently been placed near to the Baddley Clock.

Dyan works at the Lakes School as a Teaching Assistant, and volunteers with Windermere Youth Club. She says her biggest achievement has been helping local children to fulfil their potential. She has previously served as a school governor and town councillor. She lives on Oldfield Road with her husband Steve and has two children.

Tim said: "Colin and Dyan will make fantastic representatives for the Windermere. They are hardworking, passionate and people who will roll up their sleeves and get things done. Jo's loss has hit the community and his friends incredibly hard, but I firmly believe that Colin and Dyan are the best choice to carry on his work for Windermere."