LD held for 5 consecutive elections.
MP News Approval i
+54
Tim Farron
Liberal DemocratsTim Farron is the Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, and has been an MP continually since 5 May 2005. He currently undertakes the role of Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
Vote on New Clause 106, which sought to require women to have an in-person medical consultation before receiving abortion medication, as a safety measure. This was debated alongside New Clause 1, which would have decriminalised abortion for women, making it a free vote on conscience issues around abortion law reform.
Vote on a package of government new clauses to the Crime and Policing Bill at Report Stage, covering measures including: criminalising organising begging for profit, stronger protections for emergency workers against racial and religious abuse, removing the limitation period in child sexual abuse cases, and new offences around internal concealment of items for criminal purposes. The large Aye majority reflects broad government support for these law and order measures.
Vote on whether to prevent someone from qualifying as 'terminally ill' under the assisted dying bill solely because they have chosen to stop eating and drinking. The amendment would close a potential loophole where a person who is not otherwise terminally ill could meet the bill's eligibility criteria by voluntarily starving themselves.
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Sign up freeCoverage of Westmorland and Lonsdale has been mixed for Tim across 40 recent articles.
Positive coverage
“South Cumbrian MP asks Home Secretary about potential Cumbria and Lancs police merger” — The Westmorland Gazette
“'If I was PM I'd tell The King not to visit Trump' says south Cumbrian MP” — The Westmorland Gazette
A safe LD seat, won with 63% of the vote in 2024. Covers Kendal, Windermere and Grange-over-Sands. Population 84,579, notably older (median age 51 vs 41 nationally). Recorded crime is 44% below the national average. 6,055 businesses.
Kendal diesel prices jumped more than 40p a litre in just one month
The Westmorland Gazette · 9 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£26,600
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£35,000
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
6,055
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
71
53 primary, 7 secondary, 11 other
Total Income Tax▼
£277m
from 54,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£2,490
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£5,110
per taxpayer / year
Source: HMRC Survey of Personal Incomes, tax year 2022-23. Allocated by taxpayer residence. Covers income tax only — excludes NI, VAT, and capital gains. Sample-based estimate (~8% confidence interval).
Attainment 8▼
47.6
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
68.0%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
1 large town, 2 towns, 16 villages, rural areas — 91,795 total population
Source: ONS Built-Up Areas (Census 2021) + data.police.uk — crime rates are per 1,000 population (last 3 months)
Source: data.police.uk — street-level crime data aggregated from LSOA to constituency
28 councillors across 17 wards · Last elections: May 2024
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleby Brough | Liberal Democrats | Andy Connell | May 2022 |
| Liberal Democrats | Graham Simpkins | May 2022 | |
| Bowness Lyth | Liberal Democrats | Steve Bavin | May 2022 |
| Coniston Hawkshead | Liberal Democrats | Suzanne Mary Pender | May 2022 |
| Eamont Shap | Liberal Democrats | Neil Hughes | May 2022 |
| Eden Lyvennet Vale | Liberal Democrats | Lorna Ann Baker | May 2022 |
| Liberal Democrats | Neil McCall | May 2022 | |
| Grange Cartmel | Liberal Democrats | Andy Hull | May 2024 |
| Greystoke Ullswater | Liberal Democrats | Judith Margaret Derbyshire | May 2022 |
| Kendal Castle | Liberal Democrats | Eamonn Matthew Hennessy | May 2022 |
| Liberal Democrats | Helen Ngaire Ladhams | May 2022 | |
| Kendal Highgate | Liberal Democrats | Matt Severn | May 2022 |
| Liberal Democrats | Phil Dixon | May 2022 | |
| Kendal Nether | Liberal Democrats | Jonathan Cornthwaite | May 2022 |
| Liberal Democrats | Shirley Amelia Evans | May 2022 | |
| Kendal South | Liberal Democrats | Doug Rathbone | May 2022 |
| Liberal Democrats | Jonathan Richard Brook | May 2022 | |
| Kendal Strickland Fell | Liberal Democrats | Giles Charles Archibald | May 2022 |
| Liberal Democrats | Peter Thornton | May 2022 | |
| Kirkby Stephen Tebay | Liberal Democrats | John Stephen Murray | May 2022 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Phil Dew | May 2022 | |
| Levens Crooklands | Liberal Democrats | Janet Mary Battye | May 2022 |
| Sedbergh Kirkby Lonsdale | Liberal Democrats | Hazel Margaret Hodgson | May 2022 |
| Liberal Democrats | Ian David Mitchell | May 2022 | |
| Upper Kent | Liberal Democrats | Ali Jama | May 2022 |
| Windermere Ambleside | Liberal Democrats | Andrew Guy Jarvis | May 2022 |
| Liberal Democrats | Dyan Jones | May 2022 | |
| Liberal Democrats | William Clark | May 2022 |
Source: DCLEAPIL v1.0 by Jason Leman, LEAP (Andrew Teale) & Democracy Club. CC BY-SA 4.0. Data last refreshed: 1 Apr 2026.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2017 GEWon 2015 GEWon 2010 GE | LD | 31,061 | 62.7% |
| Con | 9,589 | 19.4% | |
| Ref | 4,842 | 9.8% | |
| Lab | 2,306 | 4.7% | |
| Green | 1,486 | 3.0% | |
| Ind | 111 | 0.2% | |
| Ind | 81 | 0.2% | |
| Ind | 57 | 0.1% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| LD | 25,795 | 48.9% | |
| Con | 23,861 | 45.3% | |
| Lab | 2,293 | 4.3% | |
| Ind | 763 | 1.4% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2015 GEWon 2010 GE | LD | 23,686 | 45.8% |
| Con | 22,909 | 44.3% | |
| Lab | 4,783 | 9.3% | |
| Ind | 309 | 0.6% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2010 GE | LD | 25,194 | 51.5% |
| Con | 16,245 | 33.2% | |
| Ind | 3,031 | 6.2% | |
| Lab | 2,661 | 5.4% | |
| Green | 1,798 | 3.7% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GE | LD | 30,896 | 60.0% |
| Con | 18,632 | 36.2% | |
| Lab | 1,158 | 2.3% | |
| Ind | 801 | 1.6% |
Tim Farron has not appeared in national political news coverage tracked by our system. This is common for backbench MPs who focus on constituency-level work rather than national policy debates.
13 articles hidden as not sufficiently relevant to this constituency
Diesel prices in Kendal have surged 44p per litre in one month to 189.9p, with unleaded rising 22p to 155.9p, following geopolitical tensions and a US-Iran ceasefire agreement. While oil prices have fallen due to the ceasefire, fuel retailers are slow to pass on reductions to consumers.
Westmorland and Furness Council has announced planned road closures in the Ambleside and Hawkshead areas of the Lake District for utility works on April 10, 13, and 14. Multiple routes including Blue Hill Road, B5286 near Hawkshead, and B5286 near Clappersgate will be affected, with alternative routes provided for drivers.
An 18-year-old from Kendal was convicted of possessing cannabis after being caught behind Marks and Spencer in the town centre. The case highlights local law enforcement activity and sentencing outcomes in South Cumbria.
Three churches across Cumbria—St Mary's in Longsleddale, St Paul's in Witherslack, and St Thomas's in Milnthorpe—are now offering 'Champing' (church camping) bookings for the summer season. The article highlights the unique holiday experience available to visitors in the Lake District region, with details on amenities and pricing.
The Kirkstone Pass Inn, a 500-year-old pub at 1,480ft above sea level near Ambleside, has reopened after five years of closure under new management from Kirky Lonsdale Brewery. The reopening represents a positive outcome for the local community, though planning investigations into the site's broader development continue.
A 17-year-old boy died after getting into difficulty at High Dam Tarn near Windermere in the Lake District. A large-scale search and rescue operation involving multiple emergency services recovered his body; the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, raised concerns in Parliament about a potential merger of Cumbria and Lancashire police forces, arguing it could draw officers away from rural Cumbria to larger urban centres. The Home Secretary reassured him that no mergers are currently planned and that local policing will remain a priority in any future reforms.
The University of Cumbria has announced honorary appointments of international experts in Charlotte Mason Studies, positioning its Ambleside campus as a global research hub for the 19th-century educational reformer who was based in the region. The appointments strengthen the university's academic reputation and will support research, publications, and conferences exploring Mason's influential educational philosophy.
Churches Together in Kendal and District organised their annual Easter celebrations, including a Good Friday walk through Kendal town centre attended by over 120 people and an Easter Sunday sunrise gathering at Kendal Castle. The event highlights active community engagement in local religious traditions despite challenging weather conditions.
A 17-year-old male is missing after entering High Dam Tarn near Windermere in the Lake District. Emergency services including police, fire and rescue, ambulance, coastguard and mountain rescue teams are conducting an ongoing multi-agency search operation.
Multiple emergency services including fire, police, ambulance, and rescue helicopters responded to an incident at High Dam Tarn near Windermere in the Lake District. The nature of the incident remains unclear as authorities have not yet released details, though it appears to be a significant emergency requiring substantial resources.
Major M6 bridge works at Lune Gorge (between Tebay and Kendal junctions) will run from spring 2027 to summer 2031, with overnight motorway closures forcing traffic diversions through Kendal and surrounding villages. Local councillor Jonathan Cornthwaite has raised concerns about the impact on residents, including noise from heavy traffic, road damage, and traffic congestion through local areas.
Kendal councillor Jonathan Cornthwaite has raised concerns that overnight M6 motorway diversions during bridge repairs at Lune Gorge (spring 2025–summer 2031) will cause significant noise disruption to local residents and businesses. Tim Farron MP has previously warned that communities including Kirkby Stephen will be severely affected, with visitor-dependent businesses suffering economic harm.
Frank Stainton Wines Limited, a Kendal-based independent wine merchant operating for 41 years, has voluntarily closed as its founder and director enter retirement. The closure is amicable with all creditors expected to be paid in full.
A serious road traffic accident on the A684 near Sedbergh resulted in severe injuries to a motorcyclist, with the driver Oliver James Wales convicted of causing serious injury by careless driving. The victim faces potential amputation and life-altering disabilities, while Wales received a suspended sentence and driving ban.
The Environment Agency has submitted revised flood defence plans for Kendal, including a 688ft flood wall and 1,213ft embankment to protect over 1,920 homes and 2,250 businesses from future flooding events like Storm Desmond in 2015. The scheme will undergo statutory consultation through Westmorland and Furness Council.
Sunbeams Music Trust, a Cumbrian charity providing music therapy to disabled and disadvantaged children and adults, raised £1,000 from runners at the Run Carlisle event in March. The charity is encouraging further participation in upcoming fundraising events including the Great North Swim in Windermere and Gelt Gladiator to sustain its vital community services.
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, has publicly criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to advise King Charles III to proceed with a state visit to the US to meet President Trump, citing concerns about Trump's military action against Iran and verbal attacks on the UK. Farron states that if he were PM, he would advise the King not to attend, arguing the visit appears to endorse a 'dangerous and damaging' US regime.
Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Police have introduced 12 Public Space Protection Orders to combat fly-camping and environmental damage in the Lake District ahead of Easter, following an incident in Langdale Valley where campers abandoned an entire campsite's worth of rubbish including tents, blankets, and dishware. The National Trust has removed over 75 bin bags from around 200 fly-camp sites in the region, highlighting the scale of the problem.
A Kendal Poundland manager was sentenced to a 12-month community order after stealing £2,000 from the store between December 2024 and February 2025. Atkinson, facing personal crises including marriage breakdown and £15,000 in debt, admitted the theft and was ordered to repay the full amount.
Sharon Osbourne is supporting a £5 million Omaze prize draw featuring a luxury five-bedroom lakeside mansion in Windermere, in the Lake District, to raise funds for youth homelessness charity Centrepoint. The winner receives the mortgage-free house, £250,000 in cash, and furnishings, with proceeds supporting the charity's independent living programme.
A positive review of Lindeth Fell, a 5-star luxury hotel near Windermere in the Lake District, highlighting its Arts & Crafts heritage, fine dining, and amenities. The article celebrates the property's historical significance and contemporary comforts for visitors to the region.
Zip World Windermere has reopened its Treetop Nets attraction following major renovations, offering expanded facilities for children aged three and up with new climbing nets, slides, and family zones. The reopening coincides with the Easter holiday period, positioning it as a significant draw for tourism in the Lake District.
Northern Pasta Co, a Kendal-based pasta manufacturer founded in 2022, has secured a nationwide listing at Waitrose supermarkets, marking a significant commercial milestone for the local business. The company specializes in regeneratively grown spelt pasta and operates from a solar-powered facility in Gatebeck Business Park.
Abbeyfield Living Society has expanded its Lake District operations by taking over management of two Windermere properties formerly run by Nine Oaks Housing Trust. The transition ensures continuity of care and support services for residents in the region.
Westmorland and Furness Council has introduced new public space protection orders (PSPOs) at 12 Lake District sites ahead of Easter, empowering officers to fine people for anti-social behaviour, littering, and inappropriate camping/motorhome use with fines up to £100 (£1,000 if unpaid). The move reflects concerns from residents and landowners about environmental damage and anti-social behaviour at popular beauty spots.
A Fat Face shop in Bowness-on-Windermere has been granted planning permission to refurbish its shopfront with new signage, repainting, and minor decorative works. The work is designed to maintain the area's heritage character while modernising the appearance of the tired-looking premises.
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