Whitehaven and Workington candidates reveal more about themselves

We put a series of questions to them ranging from their hobbies and ideal nights out, to whether or not they've ever done anything as naughty as running through a field of wheat.

Any election hopefuls yet to announce their candidacy will be approached in a future edition.

Here is what our initial candidates had to say...:

Josh MacAlister - the Labour candidate for Whitehaven and Workington (Image: Submitted)

Josh MacAlister (Labour)

Family status: Married with two lazy lurchers

Education: Comprehensive schools in Rochdale and then Dumfriesshire, undergraduate at Edinburgh University and Master’s degree at Manchester.

Last job: I led a landmark independent review to reshape how we support vulnerable children and families in England and I then went on to chair a charity.

What prompted you to get into politics? Partly my stepdad Peter. I fell behind at school and he helped me catch up. That left me with a strong sense that education and having extra support can change lives, and I saw politics as a way of doing this for more people.

What previous political experience did you have? I’ve persuaded Conservative government ministers to fund various programmes, like the review I led that got £200m of new funding for children.

Have you ever been a member of another party? No

Have you stood as MP before? No

Who is your political hero? Hard to choose, but I’d say Bobby Kennedy.

What is your hobby? I’m a Mountain Rescue volunteer

What’s your ideal night out? Going to the pub with friends

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done? I enjoy a good night out but I went *a bit* overboard on the first night of my stag do and may have struggled to be a full and active participant for the rest of the weekend. 

Your proudest achievement? Building a charity from scratch that employed over 120 people and brought thousands of new people to social work

Your biggest fear? The sensation of falling!

Describe yourself in three words: Impatient, committed, energetic

Andrew Johnson, the Conservative candidate for Whitehaven and Workington (Image: Submitted)

Andrew Johnson (Conservative)

Family status: Married to Rachel with two children Henry and William

Education: Distington Infant and Junior School, Keswick School, Lancaster University

Last job: Consultant at global business advisory firm FTI Consulting

What prompted you to get into politics? Witnessing first-hand Labour's managed decline of West Cumbria back in the late 90's and a sense that things could and should be better

What previous political experience did you have? Have been a councillor for 12 years and a council leader for four years

Have you ever been a member of another party? No

Have you stood as MP before? No. This is the first time

Who is your political hero? Hard one, probably Harold Macmillan

What is your hobby? Restoring classic cars and bikes, competing in classic motocross, or classic scrambles as I still call it.

What’s your ideal night out? A good Italian meal in a top restaurant like Wild Olive in Gosforth, followed by drinks with friends. Sady I'm probably past doing the circuit in Workington on a Saturday night!

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done? Probably too much to mention. As it's so long ago repeatedly lying about my age at 17 to get into the Forum nightclub in Workington. Now it's long gone I can admit to that!

Your proudest achievement? Becoming Mayor of a London Borough at age 28 with the Times & Star write-up being "Distington man becomes youngest Mayor in the county"

Your biggest fear? Petrol being totally banned so I can't ride my bikes anymore!

Describe yourself in three words: committed, optimistic, grounded

Chris Wills, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Whitehaven and Workington (Image: Submitted)

Chris Wills (Liberal Democrat)

Family status: Married; adult son and daughter

Education: History BA, Saint David’s University College, Wales; PGCE, Garnett College, Roehampton

Last job: Manager: National Trust, Lake District

What prompted you to get into politics? Thought I could help people better than many existing politicians

What previous political experience did you have? Ward Councillor, Carlisle City Council

Have you ever been a member of another party? Previously a Member of the Labour Party but needed to regain my sanity

Have you stood as MP before? Virgin MP Candidate

Who is your political hero? Shirley Williams

What is your hobby? Combative Scrabble over a glass of wine

What’s your ideal night out? Watching a football match

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done? Giving a radio interview whilst in the bath

Your proudest achievement? Saving people’s lives on our roads

Your biggest fear? Fear of being discovered as a Newcastle United fan

Describe yourself in three words: TO THE POINT

Jill Perry, the Green Party candidate for Whitehaven and Workington (Image: Submitted)

Jill Perry (Green Party)

Family status: Married with two grown up children

Education: I went to Cockermouth Grammar School, have a degree in German and a teaching qualification.

Last job: I worked for a small artisan jams and preserves company in Maryport

What prompted you to get into politics? I became disillusioned with ‘traditional parties’ at the time of the Iraq war and decided Green was the only answer.

What previous political experience did you have? I was an active environmental campaigner with Friends of the Earth but I had never wanted to get into party politics, until I couldn't stand by any longer.

Have you ever been a member of another party? No

Have you stood as MP before? I've stood in General Elections but never been elected as MP. Cumberland Council is as far as I have ‘risen’.

Who is your political hero? Petra Kelly, a founding member of the German Green Party.

What is your hobby? Sewing

What’s your ideal night out? A lovely meal in good company and not having to drive home.

What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve ever done? When I was on a teenager, I stole a cheap and nasty ring from a souvenir stall. I'm still ashamed now.

Your proudest achievement? My kids

Your biggest fear? The world failing to get to grips with the climate crisis

Describe yourself in three words: Small, kind, determined