Author Archives: joshmacmp

Residents with a passion for community leadership are being encouraged to apply for a new voluntary role that will help shape the future of south Whitehaven. Applications are now open for an Independent Chair of the Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, which will oversee a £20 million, 10-year investment in Mirehouse, Kells, Woodhouse, Greenbank andContinue reading “Community leader sought to chair new £20 million Pride in Place programme in Whitehaven”

In the final week of the year, it feels right to pause and take stock of 2025. Not in a rose-tinted way, and not by talking down the very real challenges many people in West Cumbria are still facing, but honestly and with a sense of where we go next. This has not been anContinue reading “Weekly Column – 31.12.2025 – Reflections on 2025”

Josh MacAlister MP has this week marked a major milestone since being elected in July 2024, having now held 100 public events across West Cumbria, with more than 3,000 local people taking part. From public meetings to coffee mornings, drop-ins to street surgeries, Josh has held events in every corner of West Cumbria. The eventsContinue reading “MP marks 100 public events across West Cumbria and announces new programme for early 2026”

This Christmas, I want to take a moment to reflect on what makes West Cumbria such a special place to live. This time of year encourages us to slow down, look around, and recognise the strength we draw from each other – something the people of our area understand better than most. West Cumbria hasContinue reading “Weekly Column – 24.12.2025 – A Christmas message to West Cumbria”

Today the government announced really welcome changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief. I know how strongly many farmers and rural communities across West Cumbria feel about this issue. From the outset, I have been clear that family farms must be protected. Policy only works when it reflects the real, lived experience of the people itContinue reading “Changes to farm inheritance tax plans”

Care leavers across Cumbria will benefit from free prescriptions, dental and eyecare services up to the age of 25 following a package of reforms developed by Josh MacAlister MP as part of work he carried out for the Secretary of State for Health. The measures, announced today by the Department of Health and Social Care,Continue reading “Josh MacAlister MP secures major boost for care leavers in Cumbria and across the country”

Josh MacAlister MP has visited The Oval Centre in Salterbeck to thank volunteers who are helping support local families and reduce waste in the community. During the visit, Josh met volunteers from Salterbeck Tenants and Residents Association (STAR) and Workington Derwent Rotary Club, who run the monthly Food Pantry at the Oval. The Pantry helpsContinue reading “MP thanks Salterbeck volunteers on visit to Oval Centre”

Cumbria’s Labour MPs have called on Northern Trains to deliver an urgent recovery plan following a crunch meeting to address months of poor performance on the Furness and Cumbria Coast Lines. The meeting follows sustained efforts by local MPs to push the rail industry into action after the Bransty Tunnel closure in Whitehaven last JulyContinue reading “Cumbria’s Labour MPs call for Urgent Rail Recovery Plan for Cumbrian Coast Line”

Cumberland’s Labour MPs – Josh MacAlister, Julie Minns and Michelle Scrogham – have welcomed this week’s local government funding settlement, saying it marks a clear change of direction after more than a decade of Conservative austerity, while being honest that pressures on councils remain. Under the settlement, Cumberland Council’s Core Spending Power will rise byContinue reading “Cumberland’s Labour MPs welcome major investment in roads, buses, families, schools and neighbourhoods”

Josh MacAlister MP recently visited Royal Mail’s Whitehaven Delivery Office to meet local postal workers and thank them for their dedication and hard work during the busy Christmas delivery period. During the visit, Josh met staff across the delivery office and heard first-hand about the pressures they face at one of the most demanding timesContinue reading “MP visits Whitehaven Delivery Office”