THE MP for Barrow and Furness said it has been his 'absolute honour' to serve his constituency after the announcement of a July general election.

Yesterday Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told the nation outside 10 Downing Street that the country will go to the polls on July 4. 

The incumbent Conservative MP Simon Fell has held his seat since 2019, after John Woodcock finished his term and took a position in the House of Lords. 

Mr Fell said: "It's not been the easiest of jobs but I've loved it, and so enjoyed working on behalf of local people and firms on the issues they've raised with me at their doors, in surgeries and in correspondence."

He said that his team his secured over £370million in Furness through Town Deals, Levelling Up Funds and the £220million #TeamBarrow announcement. 

He added: "This government forged the AUKUS deal, securing over 40 years of work in the shipyard, giving security to Furness' future. These things will transform this fantastic place. 

"I'd love the opportunity to keep on with that delivery and to do the job I've grown to love - fighting for the fantastic people who live here.

"People will have a choice to make on July 4 - I hope very much they see how hard I've worked for them and lend me their vote for a second time."

The Labour candidate hoping to take Mr Fell's seat is Michelle Scrogham, the former mayor Ulverston. Adrian Waite will be representing the Liberal Democrats, who has had over a decade of experience in local government. 

The Green party has selected Lorraine Wrennall, who has previously had a career in public health. 

In December 2019, Simon fell won 51.9 per cent of the vote share, beating Labour's candidate Chris Altree who got 39.3 per cent. 

The turnout in Barrow for the last election was 65.6 per cent.