A MUSICIAN has announced her bid to be Labour’s next parliamentary candidate for Carlisle at the next General Election.

Sarah Williams - a professional musician, trade unionist, and mum of three - was educated at Nelson Thomlinson and St Aidan’s in Carlisle.

She is currently a Labour councillor and holds the finance brief where she is leading work on 'bringing services in house, delivering for local people, and on standing up for those most in need'.

Sarah said: “From Belle Vue to Castle and from Dalston to Durdar, the cost-of-living crisis is hitting people across Carlisle hard.

“I will stand up for local people and be a strong voice for our city.

“Protecting our environment is a top priority for me.

“I will make sure we clean up our lakes, rivers, and air, whilst creating secure green jobs for local people right here in Carlisle.

“It’s not possible to give being MP for Carlisle the attention it deserves whilst having a second job.

"I will be a full-time MP – living and working in the constituency, with a fully staffed local office, being visible and responsive to your needs.

“I will focus on crucial issues that matter to local people – retaining the mayoralty, building on our area's role as a vital regional hub, our charter, and our rich culture, tradition and history.

“I am ready for the challenge of winning Carlisle for Labour, of fighting for a fair deal for local people, and of representing the place I will always call home.”

Shaun Halfpenny, ex-headteacher of Cummersdale School, and local Labour activist, said: "I worked for Sarah in the last general election.

“I was struck by her ability to speak publicly, both coherently and passionately about the important issues that matter to us all.

“She is highly intelligent, articulate, funny and definitely 'on the ball'.

“I am pleased she is seeking the Carlisle nomination; she is an outstanding candidate and has my full support!”

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