Candidate name: David Walker

Party: Brexit Party

David Walker has been announced as the candidate for the Brexit Party in Workington, in a last-minute switch with previous hopeful Philip Walling.

Mr Walker, a former dentist and NHS professional, spoke publicly about his wishes for the constituency for the first time when party leader Nigel Farage visited Workington on Wednesday.

He said: “One of the major employers in the area is Sellafield and I fully back jobs and investment in the area.”

Last week the county council backed plans for Woodhouse Colliery in Whitehaven to be built, despite Tim Farron, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, calling in the application.

Mr Walker said the coking coal was to produce steel, necessary to build wind turbines and he was behind the project which supports the green industry.

He said: “If you don’t dig it up yourself, and create jobs locally, you’d have to import it.”

He added he was in favour of plans for a stadium to be built in Workington. “I will back all investment to the area and all jobs for the area.”

Mr Walker said he would fight to keep health services in the area.

He said: “I’ll do my level best. If people put their faith in me they will see results.”