A SELF-employed artist has been selected as the Conservative candidate for the upcoming Grange and Cartmel by-election. 

Alastair Hibbert, 31, will be competing against the Liberal Democrats' Andy Hull and other so far un-announced candidates for a seat on Westmorland and Furness Council on May 2. 

Mr Hibbert has lived in Cartmel for over 20 years and volunteers at his church. He provides outdoor educational experiences for children. His key aims, according to Westmorland and Lonsdale Conservatives, are ensuring the Grange Lido is fully restored to its former glory, improving transport links, and fixing local roads. 

Mr Hibbert said: "I am delighted that members of the Westmorland and Lonsdale Conservatives have picked me as their candidate for this election.

“Grange and Cartmel is my home and I want to fight to improve it. From the Grange railway line to fixing potholes, local transport is currently inadequate for our rural area.

“I am delighted that works to Grange Lido are taking place and I commend the council for actually doing something after so many years. However, we need to make the pool functional and not just fill it in with concrete.

“I think it is time for change on Westmorland and Furness Council, and I look forward to speaking to residents about their local issues as I campaign hard to earn their trust.”

Matty Jackman, the Conservative parliamentary candidate standing in Westmorland and Lonsdale for the next general election, said: "I'm thrilled to have Alastair with us. He embodies the progress our Conservative campaigns are achieving, drawn also to my vision for the entire constituency."