On the floor of the House of Commons this afternoon, local MP Tim Farron urged the Government to significantly increase spending on radiotherapy to provide treatment closer to home for patients in the South Lakes.

Speaking Treasury Questions, Tim said: "50 percent of people living with cancer require radiotherapy treatment.

Local MP Tim Farron will hold his first advice surgery of 2020 this Friday at Victoria Hall in Grange.

The surgery, which runs from 4pm to 5pm, gives local people the chance to raise issues with Tim that are affecting them.

No appointments are needed - just simply turn up.

Tim said: "I'm proud that since I first became an MP, we've been able to complete over 100,000 pieces of casework on a whole range important issues like social care and housing.

Today, local MP Tim Farron has been appointed as the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for farming and rural affairs.

On top of this, Tim will also remain the party's spokesperson for local government, housing and the North of England.

Tim said: "I'm delighted to have been appointed to this vital role.

"Farming is so important to life here in Cumbria: whether it's creating jobs, producing food or looking after our world-class landscape.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news this morning that Northern Rail is now likely to be stripped of its franchise as a massive step forward in the 'Sack Northern' campaign.

In an interview on the BBC this morning, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps appeared to confirm under-fire operator Northern Rail will be stripped of its franchise due to poor performance.

Commenting on last night's by-election result in Shap which saw the Liberal Democrats gain the seat from the Conservatives, Tim Farron said:

"I want to say a massive well done to the Liberal Democrat team in Shap and Neil McCall who will be a fantastic local councillor.

"The result shows that people in Cumbria have had enough of the Conservatives neglecting our area, cutting our NHS, schools and police.