Michelle Scrogham has started to set out her stall ahead of the upcoming General Election in July.

The Labour candidate for Barrow and Furness will be officially launching her campaign on Saturday, May 25.

Read more: General Election: Candidates vying for your vote in Barrow and Furness | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

In the meantime, however, the former Mayor of Ulverston is wasting no time in reaching out to the community as she bids to take over from Simon Fell as the region's representative.

She said: "I was born in Ulverston and live here with my family - growing up on a council estate, I understand what it feels like to face financial worries and I am passionate about creating equal opportunities for everyone in our community.

"I’ve been the Town Mayor for Ulverston and a councillor, as well as owning my own business since 2005 so I know our community like the back of my hand."

Councillor Scrogham enjoyed a varied career before entering the world of politics, working in Millom at the local NatWest branch.

For the councillor, her work for the next six weeks will largely revolve around reaching out to locals in an attempt to prove that she can lead Barrow and Furness into a 'better' future.

Read more: Barrow party candidates react to general election news | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

"I've been out talking to residents for over a year and it's clear that change is needed," she explained.

"Over the coming weeks, I want to continue having as many of those conversations with you as possible and answer any questions that you might have for me as your Labour candidate." 

Read more: Labour candidate Michelle Scrogham gives views on busy 2024 in Barrow | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

Ms Scrogham was selected as the Labour candidate in 2023 and was mayor of Ulverston between 2022 and May 2024.

She will be vying for the Barrow and Furness seat against current MP, the Conservative Party candidate, Liberal Democrat Adrian Waite, and Green Party representative Lorraine Wrennall.