NEWS FROM THE WESTMORLAND & LONSDALE CONSERVATIVES
Team Leader’s Report: Winning in Westmorland - Our Target Seats Strategy Team Leader’s Report: Winning in WestmorlandOur Target Seats Strategy The Challenge Ahead
As we look towards the May 2026 Council Elections, Westmorland and Lonsdale Conservative Association stands at a crucial moment. Our goal is clear and achievable: to secure sufficient Conservative councillors on Westmorland and Furness Council to make a real difference for our communities.
The Liberal Democrat-run council has demonstrated time and again that they cannot deliver effective governance. From the ongoing Grange Lido fiasco to poor communication with residents, they have shown themselves to be out of touch with what our communities need. It is time for Conservative leadership that puts residents first and delivers results.
Our Strategic Approach: Five Target Seats
After careful analysis, we have identified five winnable target seats where focused campaigning can deliver Conservative victories:
These seats represent our best opportunities to gain Conservative representation and start building the council presence our area desperately needs.
We are actively seeking excellent candidates for four of our target seats.
We need people who: Understand their local communities and the issues that matter
Have a genuine passion for improving residents’ everyday standards of living
Are committed to Conservative values of accountability, fiscal responsibility, and effective governance
Are willing to work hard to earn the trust of voters
Think about the people you know. Could it be a neighbour who is always helping others?
A local business person who understands the challenges families face? Someone from your extended family who cares about their community? Even your local postman or shopkeeper might be exactly the person we need.
Every great councillor started as an ordinary resident who decided to make a difference. We will provide full support, training, and guidance to help any potential candidate succeed.
Target Seat Team Leaders Needed
For each target seat, we need dedicated Team Leaders who will:
Support, manage, and guide our candidates to victory
Coordinate local volunteers and campaign activities
Organise leaflet distribution and door-to-door campaigning
Manage social media platforms and local communications
Coordinate placement of
placards and campaign signs
Ensure maximum impact from our precious campaigning days
Campaign Support Volunteers
We need enthusiastic volunteers to help with:
Leaflet delivery in target areas
Door-to-door canvassing and voter identification
Social media campaigning and online engagement Event organisation and community outreach
Election day activities and voter turnout efforts
Our Timeline: Making Every Day Count
We are developing a comprehensive planned timeline diary to maximise every precious day leading up to May 2026. Early preparation and sustained campaigning will be the keys to our success. The sooner we can identify candidates and build our teams, the better positioned we will be to win.
Conservative House Support
All winning candidates will receive full support through Conservative House activities, ensuring they have every possible opportunity to deliver on our shared Conservative goals and serve their communities effectively.
Your Help Is Essential
This is your moment to make a real difference. We cannot succeed without the active participation of our members and supporters. Put on your thinking caps and help us identify potential candidates. Whether it is someone from your street, your workplace, your family, or your local community groups - we want to hear from you.
One conversation could change everything. The person you suggest could become the
councillor who finally brings competent Conservative leadership to your area. Take Action Today
Call us with any potential candidate names - we will handle the rest:
James AlexanderTeam Leader
Mobile: 07930 647192
Jane MartinAdministration & Communications Officer
Phone: 01539 724754
Email: Info@ westmorlandconservatives. org.uk
The
Opportunity Before Us
The Liberal Democrats have shown their incompetence time and again. Residents are frustrated with poor communication, delayed projects, and lack of accountability. This creates a tremendous opportunity for Conservative candidates who can offer practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and genuine community engagement.
Together, we can deliver Winning in Westmorland. But we need every member to play their part in identifying candidates, volunteering time, and building the campaign teams that will secure Conservative victories in May 2026.
The question is not whether we can win these seats - with your help, we absolutely can. The question is: will you join us in making it happen? Contact us today. Help us find our candidates. Help us build our teams. Help us deliver Conservative success in Westmorland.
Strawberries & Cream and Cake & Tea afternoon
Join us for a delightful summer afternoon in one of the Lake District’s most beautiful private gardens.
Yewbarrow House boasts four acres of spectacular gardens with stunning views over Morecambe Bay. The exotic plants and Mediterranean-style terraces create a unique setting that Country Life magazine described as “more Cornwall than Cumbria.”
Enjoy traditional strawberries and cream alongside homemade cakes and afternoon tea among the gardens, which feature an Italian terrace, Japanese garden, restored Victorian kitchen garden, and beautiful sculptures throughout. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience quintessential English summer entertaining in an extraordinary location that normally opens only for special occasions.
Ticket price £20.00 per person
For more information, contact Jane MartinConservative House, Kendal Tel: 01539724754
info@westmorlandconservatives.org.uk
BOOK NOW ONLINE www.westmorlandconservatives.org.uk
pay by bank transfer
A/C 50853712
Sort code: 40-26-02
Bank: HBOS Ref: STRCRM
Thursday 21st August 2025
Yewbarrow House in Grange
£20.00 per person
Conservative Support Surges as Badenoch Inspires Nationwide Fundraising Success
Conservative supporters across the country are opening their wallets in unprecedented numbers, demonstrating strong confidence in Kemi Badenoch’s leadership and the party’s renewed direction. According to Electoral Commission figures reported in national newspapers, the Conservative Party raised an impressive £3.4 million in donations during the first quarter of 2025, significantly outperforming their political rivals. This figure exceeded Labour’s £2.3 million, Reform UK’s £1.5 million, and the Liberal Democrats’ £1.5 million for the same period, marking a remarkable turnaround for the party. The impressive fundraising surge reflects a party that is reconnecting with its core values and attracting fresh support from donors who believe in Conservative principles of fiscal responsibility, individual freedom, and strong governance.
Kemi Badenoch’s authentic leadership style and clear vision for Britain’s future has struck a chord with supporters nationwide. Her commitment to commonsense policies and straight-talking approach has energised the Conservative base in a way not seen for years. The financial backing demonstrates that ordinary Conservative supporters - from small donors contributing modest amounts to major benefactors including a single £1 million donation from video game entrepreneur Jez San - believe the party is heading in the right direction under her leadership. The first quarter success builds on strong momentum from the final quarter of 2024, when the Conservatives raised £1.9 million, more than all other major parties combined during that period.
This fundraising success tells a story of genuine grassroots enthusiasm. When people voluntarily contribute their hard-earned money to a political cause, it shows real belief in the leadership and the message. The broad base of support, spanning different regions and demographics, suggests that Conservative values continue to resonate strongly with the British public who want sensible governance, economic competence, and principled leadership.
This national trend is being reflected right here in Westmorland and Lonsdale, where our Conservative Association continues to attract strong local support. Just as donors nationwide are backing Badenoch’s leadership, local residents are increasingly recognising that Conservative councillors and representatives deliver the competent, accountable governance that communities need. The contrast with Liberal Democrat performance - whether at national or local level - could not be clearer. While the Liberal Democrats struggle with projects like the Grange Lido, Conservatives focus on practical solutions and value for money.
The willingness of supporters to invest financially in the Conservative Party under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership represents a powerful vote of confidence in our direction and values. It shows that people believe in Conservative principles of personal responsibility, economic competence, strong communities, and effective governance. They want leaders who will deliver results rather than make excuses. Here in Westmorland and Lonsdale, we are proud to be part of this nationwide Conservative revival, and as we look ahead to future elections, this surge in support provides an excellent foundation for success. The fundraising success under Badenoch’s leadership shows that the Conservative Party is united, energised, and ready to serve the British people with the principled governance they deserve.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
While the general election and local elections are some time away, the next years are critical. The Liberal Democrats, Reform and Labour are all pouring huge amounts of money into the fight hoping to change the results in this area.
We need to meet our fundraising target so we can dominate the battlefield in our home ground.
We know that when our campaigns are well resourced, they can beat the odds. People like you are the reason we can defy those odds and get our message to those all-important voters. So please consider a donation or volunteering and help us get our message out.
It is the work we do now which will pay dividends when the votes are counted.
WE NEED YOUNG CONSERVATIVES
Young voices bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions that keep our Conservative values relevant in a rapidly changing world.
By investing in the next generation of Conservative leaders today, we ensure our principles continue to shape policy and governance for decades to come.
Young members energise our campaigns with digital savvy, boundless enthusiasm, and genuine connections to voters their age—essential ingredients for electoral success in modern Britain.
Share this opportunity with friends, family, and colleagues who want to make a difference—together, we can build a stronger Conservative movement that reflects all generations and secures our future.
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT LEADER DIGS DEEPER HOLEOVER GRANGE LIDO
FIASCO
Council Chief’s Response Raises More Questions Than Answers
The Liberal Democrat leader of Westmorland and Furness Council has responded to growing criticism over the Grange Lido project delays, but his comments have only served to highlight the chaos surrounding this expensive venture.
In a letter published in the Westmorland Gazette, Jonathan Brook attempted to defend the project after our Association Chairman James Alexander highlighted serious concerns about the scheme. However, Brook’s response has raised even more questions about the Liberal Democrats’ handling of this costly project.
£6.9 Million and Counting
The project cost has now risen to £6.9 million - an
increase from the previously stated £6.8 million - and faces yet another year-long delay. This represents a significant blow to residents who were promised the facility would reopen this summer.
The Grange Lido project has become a symbol of everything wrong with Liberal Democrat governance - spiralling costs, endless delays, poor communication, and a complete lack of accountability to residents.
Local people deserve better than vague promises and ever-increasing bills. They deserve councillors who will:
- Deliver projects on time and on budget
- Communicate clearly about what residents can expect
- Take responsibility when things go wrong
- Put practicality before political gestures
The Liberal Democrats have had their chance with the Grange Lido. The result speaks for itself - nearly £7 million spent, years of delays, and residents still none the wiser about what they are actually getting.
It is time for a change. It is time for Conservative leadership that puts residents first and delivers results, not excuses.
The Westmorland and Lonsdale Conservative Association continues to call for full transparency about the Grange Lido project, including detailed costings, realistic timelines, and a clear operational plan before any further public money is committed.
Cumbria Is Getting Ready For The Fight!
Cumbria is still progressing with plans to establish a directly elected mayor as part of the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme. As we know, Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness have already taken initial steps, with the first mayoral election scheduled for May 2026.
Within Cumbria, our Party is advancing through our internal candidate approval and assessment process. Members can expect to hear from me soon regarding the next stages, including candidate shortlisting and the official selection timetable. This election matters - not just for regional governance, but also for strengthening Conservative leadership and revitalising our communities.
Cumbria Conservatives also recognise that national developments require a local response. We are committed to balancing defence commitments with community well-being, ensuring justice and safety, and re-engaging voters in every village and town. Our proactive approach to mayoral selection plays a key role in this agenda. We remain dedicated to advocating for, delivering, and reconnecting with our communities, grounded in Conservative values and committed to a prosperous future for Cumbria.
As a reminder, we are always here to answer your questions.
ASSOCIATION TEAM TAKE TRAINING IN CARLISLE
Jane and Janet made the journey to Carlisle on Monday 30th June for an invaluable training session with Lisa Cullen at the regional Conservative office. The visit proved to be both productive and encouraging as our association continues to strengthen its campaigning capabilities.
The comprehensive training session focused on Votesource and other essential digital tools that will help us reconnect with voters and build our campaign effectiveness. Lisa provided expert guidance on how to make the most of these resources, ensuring that Westmorland and Lonsdale Conservative Association is fully equipped with the modern tools needed for successful political engagement.
For Jane and Janet, meeting Lisa faceto-face was particularly valuable after months of email correspondence. Building these personal relationships with our regional team strengthens the support network that helps local associations thrive. The personal connection makes future collaboration much more effective and demonstrates the importance of working together across the Conservative family.
identification, data management, and targeted communication strategies. These skills are essential as we work to rebuild Conservative support in our area and ensure we can effectively reach out to residents about the issues that matter to them.
This initiative shows the commitment of our association members to professional development and improving our political effectiveness. By investing time in learning new techniques and mastering available tools, we are positioning ourselves to be more competitive and successful in future campaigns.
The positive feedback from Jane and Janet about the training highlights how valuable these development opportunities are. When association members feel confident and wellequipped, it energises the entire team and improves our ability to serve our community effectively.
This training visit represents exactly the kind of proactive approach that will help us get back in the fight and make a real difference in local politics. Well done to Jane and Janet for taking this important step forward.
The training covered practical aspects of voter
Our current membership is 247. +1
We need you to ask everyone to join our fabulous club. We need to regain control of our parish councils, Town Councils and Parliamentary seat.
As a member, you will hear first how we are working to address the problems in our local area. We will also let you know how you can help.
Hello I am Jane Martin the Administration and Communication Officer at Conservative House. Born and raised in Kendal, I am from a large family who all still reside in the area. I live with my husband Aiden and our three young children in the south of the town.
Aiden, who is originally from Portsmouth, and I decided to stay in Kendal and raise our family because of how safe and kind our community is here. We wanted our children to enjoy a childhood surrounded by nature, friends and family.
Previously I have worked as a Postwoman for Royal Mail, and I have enjoyed 11 years driving around the countryside of the Lakes delivering to places such as Coniston and Langdale.
As a young adult I studied for my degree in Music Technology and Audio Systems at Huddersfield University, a part of which was designing and coding websites.
I hope to bring my technical expertise and enthusiasm to the office. The door is always open, and the kettle is always hot! Please feel free to pop in and talk to me.
If you are interested in any of the events we have planned or just want to know what is going on behind the scenes, all the current affairs are up on the website with links and information of how to get involved!
