UPLAND farming advocate Julia Aglionby looks to put a 'sensible centrist' policy at the heart of her campaign to become MP for the new Penrith & Solway constituency. 

Last week, it was announced Julia had been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the largely rural constituency. 

So far, the area has only one other declared candidate, Workington MP Mark Jenkinson.

With a history of community involvement and national recognition, Aglionby believes her knowledge of this area, in which she has worked in its farming communities since 1992, positions her in good stead going into next year. 

Additionally, she has served as a senior civil servant on the Natural England Board.

Beyond her political involvement, Julia is also a part-time professor in Practice at the University of Cumbria.

"I'm really excited about this. It was a contested, so I'm delighted to be selected. 

"We've got these very distinct communities across the constituency and it's about working for them. 

"The Lib Dems are doing well and we hope to carry that forward. 

"We found with the 'Tim Farron effect' is that people trust him as a really good constituency MP. He takes issues important to this area to Westminster and is not constrained by lobby fodder for a major party and that's the big differentiating factor.

"If you select a Lib Dem MP, you know they are working for you and not being asked to associate with things away from Cumbria's interest," she said. 

An environment-friendly centrist policy forms a key part of her agenda, committed to net zero, she believes investing in clean energy generation and insulating all homes as key for a thriving economy, skilled jobs and reduced living costs going forward. 

Criticising the lack of a new agricultural policy seven years after the referendum under the Tory government, Aglionby, said the 63 per cent decrease in hill farm incomes in 2022/23 is a consequence of the comprehensive lack of agricultural support from the government. 

"I've worked at the heart of this policy world and one of the reasons I'm standing is because I've seen how incompetently the transition has been managed. We need to make sure our farming businesses are financially viable going ahead," she said. 

Should she be elected, Aglionby pledges to renounce all other positions as she believes in dedicating her full time to constituency work.

"Being an MP is a full-time job, it's more than that. I also wouldn't be taking hospitality from any organisations - it's really important to be full-time on the job and not conflicted by taking money, so you work for your constituency freely.

"I deeply care about this constituency, everything from running the rainbows in Armathwaite to chairing the village hall, nursery committees and campaigning for the local primary schools.

"I hope to give the people of Penrith & the Solway a choice to make a difference for them in London," she said.