Created in the 2023 boundary review, from parts of Copeland and Workington.
A new constituency created in the 2023 boundary review.
MP News Approval i
+60
Josh MacAlister
Labour PartyJosh MacAlister is the Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington, and has been an MP continually since 4 July 2024. He currently holds the Government post of Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education).
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Sign up freeCoverage of Whitehaven and Workington has been mixed for Josh across 40 recent articles.
Positive coverage
“Church of England to apologise for role in historical forced adoption” — BBC
Won by Lab in its first election in 2024. Covers Whitehaven, Workington and Seaton (Allerdale). Population 89,812.
Man, 39, arrested following 'disturbance' at address in Egremont
Wirral Globe · 9 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£28,200
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£35,500
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
2,345
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
60
47 primary, 6 secondary, 7 other
Total Income Tax▼
£243m
from 50,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£2,870
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£4,890
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▼
38.3
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
50.8%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
4 towns, 16 villages, rural areas — 93,276 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
18 councillors across 18 wards · Last elections: May 2022
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bransty | Labour Party | Joseph Ghayouba | May 2022 |
| Cleator Moor East Frizington | Labour Party | Linda Jones-Bulman | May 2022 |
| Cleator Moor West | Labour Party | Michael Christopher Eldon | May 2022 |
| Cockermouth South | Labour Party | Andrew Semple | May 2022 |
| Egremont | Labour Party | Sam Pollen | May 2022 |
| Egremont North St Bees | Labour Party | Reginald Graham Minshaw | May 2022 |
| Gosforth | Conservative and Unionist Party | David Willis Moore | May 2022 |
| Harrington | Labour Party | Denise Susan Rollo | May 2022 |
| Hillcrest Hensingham | Labour Party | Jeanette Forster | May 2022 |
| Howgate | Labour Party | Gillian Troughton | May 2022 |
| Kells Sandwith | Labour Party | Emma Louise Williamson | May 2022 |
| Maryport South | Labour Party | Bill Pegram | May 2022 |
| Millom Without | Conservative and Unionist Party | Andy Pratt | May 2022 |
| Mirehouse | Labour Party | Mike Hawkins | May 2022 |
| Moss Bay Moorclose | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Stephen Stoddart | May 2022 |
| Seaton | Labour Party | Jimmy Grisdale | May 2022 |
| St Johns Great Clifton | Labour Party | Mark Anthony Fryer | May 2022 |
| St Michaels | Labour Party | Barbara Cannon | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lab | 22,173 | 53.0% | |
| Ref | 8,887 | 21.2% | |
| Con | 8,455 | 20.2% | |
| Green | 1,207 | 2.9% | |
| LD | 1,118 | 2.7% |
Josh MacAlister appeared in 3 national articles across 4 topics (9 Apr 2026 – 15 Apr 2026)
Positive (+0.32)Ranked #51 of 286 MPs mentioned in national coverage
MacAlister positions the government as supporting schools with tools and expertise while linking the initiative to broader child protection legislation, showing proactive policy alignment.
MacAlister frames the initiative as supporting schools and linking it to broader child protection legislation, though the specific policy contribution is less prominent.
MacAlister acknowledges frustration with lack of progress and states he is working to resolve the issue, but the missed deadline and absence of a clear timeline reflect poorly on his ability to deliver solutions for constituents.
5 articles hidden as not sufficiently relevant to this constituency
A 39-year-old man was arrested in Egremont following a disturbance call to police in the early hours of Thursday. The arrest was made on suspicion of assault and resisting arrest.
The Church of England is preparing to apologise for its role in historical forced adoptions affecting around 185,000 babies between 1949 and 1976. The article highlights testimony from affected women and notes that Children and Families Minister Josh MacAlister has acknowledged the state's role and indicated a formal government apology is being actively considered.
Cumberland Council planning committee will vote on four major local projects: Story Homes' 65-house Hadrian's Camp development near Houghton, a £23.6m industrial complex at Cleator Moor Innovation Quarter, a Carlisle Station car park redesign, and conversion of Cleator Moor Library into a community hub. All have been recommended for approval by council officers.
A 17-year-old from Egremont (within the Whitehaven and Workington constituency) has been missing since April 2. Police are appealing for public assistance in locating Jack Dale.
A commemorative event marked 40 years since the closure of Whitehaven's iconic Haig Pit, with ex-miners, community members, and local officials gathering to honour the mining heritage and remember those killed in pit disasters. The Pit Crack Group organised the memorial service, and new museum owner Mike Johnson pledged continued investment in preserving the site's historical significance.
An inquest into the death of a 43-year-old Whitehaven woman concluded she died from acute liver failure, ruling out third-party involvement. The coroner heard evidence that Ms. Goth appeared healthy the day before her death but showed signs of severe liver disease when found at her Meadow Road home.
Whitehaven town councillors approved spending approximately £1,000 to purchase 2,000 metres of replacement Union flag bunting for the town's streets, replacing degraded existing stock that is displayed from April to September annually.
Aldi is opening a new store on Preston Street in Whitehaven on April 23, replacing the existing location and creating 38 local jobs. The opening will be celebrated with Paralympic bronze medallist Anna Nicholson cutting the ribbon, and the store will partner with local charities through the Neighbourly platform to donate surplus food.
A coroner's inquest into the death of a 35-year-old Cockermouth mental health advisor has raised serious concerns about record-keeping and communication failures at NHS and recovery services in West Cumbria. The death occurred at West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, and the coroner has issued prevention of future deaths reports to the NHS trust and Recovery Steps, identifying failures in supervision records retention and inter-agency communication about medication.
The Crown and Thistle gastropub in Rockcliffe has reached the finals of the News & Star's Best Restaurant or Gastropub competition. The pub, run by Joanne Fens and her husband Richard, draws customers from across West Cumbria including Whitehaven, and is praised for its quality food, wine selection, and personal service.
A group of parishioners from St Mary's and St Joseph Catholic Parish in Cleator Moor and Frizington carried out a Stations of the Cross walk up Dent Fell during Holy Week as a spiritual tribute. The event, led by St Mary's Men's Group (launched in 2024), combined physical exertion with prayer and reflection, with participants hoping to establish it as an annual tradition.
Whitehaven Town Council and local traders distributed Easter eggs to hundreds of children in the town as part of a fifth-year community initiative, with surplus eggs donated to West Cumberland Hospital. The event, held at Richardsons of Whitehaven, demonstrates local civic engagement and community spirit in the constituency.
A homeless man from Egremont deliberately breached a court exclusion order by calling 999 to report himself, described as a 'cry for help' due to his lack of accommodation and mental health support. The court imposed a conditional discharge, highlighting gaps in support services for vulnerable individuals in west Cumbria.
A Cumbria coroner has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report following the death of a 40-year-old Whitehaven woman, Charlotte Louise Jones, who died from acute alcohol toxicity in February 2025. The coroner raised concerns about limited information sharing between mental health services (CNTW) and Recovery Steps, despite the woman's escalating self-harm risk and multiple emergency attendances.
A major multi-agency rescue operation was launched on Easter Saturday when an inflatable canoe capsized on Derwentwater during Storm Dave, with three ill-equipped canoeists rescued safely. The incident was one of several emergencies across the Lake District during the storm, involving Keswick Mountain Rescue and other teams, highlighting the dangers of outdoor activities in severe weather without proper equipment.
This article surveys business openings and closures across Cumbria in March 2026, including several new independents and notable closures such as the 70-year-old Kendal Sports and century-old Routledges bakery in Carlisle. While some new businesses opened, the closures highlight economic pressures on high street retailers.
Zoopla reports that Carlisle's house prices are rising faster than the UK average (3.1% vs 1.3%), with the average home now valued at £174,200. Egremont, which falls within the Whitehaven and Workington constituency, is named the most affordable town in the North West and ninth most affordable in the UK, with an average house price of £139,500.
The Silly Goose Café in Whitehaven's Rum Story tourist attraction is closing on April 11, 2025, just months after owner Magda Gabinet reopened it in honour of her sister Eva who died of cancer. The closure represents a loss for the town centre and local community, though the Rum Story is seeking new operators for the café space.
Shiloh Coffee Roasters, an ethical specialty coffee business relocated to Whitehaven's Haig Enterprise Park in 2023, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with community events throughout April and May, including a spin-and-win promotion and an open day on May 2nd.
Cumberland Council has installed five new community defibrillators across Whitehaven as part of a public safety initiative, with older units being repurposed for areas with limited access. The equipment is now active on the national Circuit network, providing 24/7 access to life-saving equipment for residents, visitors, and businesses.
Whitehaven Rugby League suffered a heavy 52-point defeat against North Wales Crusaders in an away match on March 29. Coach James Newton acknowledged poor defensive performance in the first half but noted improved reactions and some positives in the second half.
Poppy Lambert, an 18-month-old from Cleator Moor in west Cumbria, is now awaiting a heart transplant after surgery revealed her tricuspid valve cannot be repaired. The local community has rallied around the family, with a fundraising appeal raising over £16,000 to support them during her hospital stay at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
ST Mary and St Joseph Catholic Parish in Cleator Moor and Frizington has announced its Holy Week and Easter schedule for early April, including traditional services such as Maundy Thursday Mass with foot washing, Good Friday Passion celebration, and Easter Vigil and Sunday Masses. This is a routine local religious calendar announcement.
Veteran stand-up comedian Mick Miller will perform at Solway Hall in Whitehaven on October 22, 2026, featuring a stand-up set followed by an interview with fellow comedian Ryan Gleeson. The event is part of the entertainment offerings in West Cumbria.
A feature article about the history and tradition of Easter bonnets in Cumbria, tracing their origins from medieval Europe through to modern school parades and community events. The piece includes photos of local children and schools in the Whitehaven and Workington area participating in Easter bonnet competitions.
The Original Factory Shop in Ulverston is closing on April 2, earlier than the previously announced April 4 date, following the retailer's administration in January. The closure affects one of four Cumbrian stores and is part of a wider collapse affecting 137 stores and 1,180 staff nationally.
Dennis Nicholson, a Whitehaven bus driver, is celebrating 40 years of service with Stagecoach Group, having become a familiar figure on West Cumbria's bus routes. The article highlights his dedication, memories from his long career, and appreciation for the scenic region he has served.
The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven is hosting a packed April programme featuring a retro 90s exhibition, creative workshops, and family events designed for all ages. The activities include nostalgic displays, hands-on learning opportunities, and local heritage exploration.
A former Sellafield nuclear facility worker from Whitehaven has been sentenced after a police sting operation exposed his sexual interest in children. Michael Southward admitted to attempting to aid and abet child sexual assault, possessing indecent child images, and attempting sexual communication with minors, receiving a three-year community order with strict conditions.
Whitehaven Town Council has opened an art exhibition in their newly refurbished offices, which are housed in the historic former Whitehaven News building. The exhibition features local artists and reflects everyday Cumbrian life, with the council hoping to encourage more residents to visit the civic space and host further exhibitions.
A replica of Christopher Columbus's flagship Santa María will dock at Whitehaven marina during school holidays, attracting tourists and locals. The visit is supported by major local employers including Sellafield Ltd, Amentum, and Cavendish Nuclear, and builds on the success of a similar tall ship visit last year.
Crow Park in Whitehaven has experienced litter and dog waste problems after bin removal, prompting resident complaints on social media. Cumberland Council confirmed cleanup and stated sufficient bins remain in the park, while pledging to monitor the situation and consider additional bins if needed.
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