Democracy is being sidelined in Cumbria’s mayoral process - and Cumbrians must not look away.
For political reasons, Labour and the Liberal Democrats have delayed the mayoral election, changed the voting system to supplementary voting, and - as Cllr Jarvis confirmed at the most recent Westmorland and Furness Council meeting - are already drafting a policy manifesto for the MCA’s first year before a mayor has been elected.
None of this was put to voters. Taken together, these actions are an attempt to manipulate the outcome.
This is unacceptable.
In short, this is an entire year of public funds wasted on an MCA office that no one has been elected to start.
Solution? There are only two proper courses of action for Cumbria: either bring the election forward so the office is filled legitimately, or pause all preparations until a democratically elected mayor can set the agenda. Any other approach risks burdening the incoming mayor with unpicking a pre-arranged office and wasting public money.
By pushing ahead in this manner, the Liberal Democrat and Labour councils are avoiding proper public scrutiny. Cumbria’s democracy is being rewritten - without your consent.
The Conservatives remain the only party in Cumbria consistently demanding transparency and listening to residents’ concerns.
A properly elected mayor - such as Mike Starkie - will deliver real, tangible benefits to our county.
Cumbria deserves a fair, timely, and accountable mayoral election.
If you agree, stand with your local Conservatives and demand the change Cumbria deserves.
