Mike Starkie for Mayor of Cumbria

01/09/2026

Great to meet up today with Lord Hugh Cavendish and Alan Gibb the CEO of Holker Homes Ltd, discussing the Mayoral campaign and the huge opportunities to grow the Cumbrian economy with a particular focus today on Barrow-in-Furness.

01/09/2026

First poll in a while where the Conservatives lead Reform.

Reform held a 10 point lead over the Conservatives in Feb 2026, that lead has slowly been eroded to the point where they now trail in 3rd place to both Labour who will have a short term bounce and the Conservatives whose recovery under the outstanding leadership of Kemi Badenoch will gather pace.

I expect by Christmas the Conservatives will lead in the polls as the shine comes off Burnham and the reality of having no plan begins to bite and Reforms slide will be irreversible.

Kemi Badenoch has set out a strong policy agenda and has a plan for government which will take the fight to Labour and offer a centre right alternative at the next General Election.

The majority of UK voters sit just right of Centre and need to rally behind the only party that can defeat a left wing Labour led coalition.

That party is the Kemi inspired, reinvigorated Conservative Party.

29/08/2026

Well done Workington Reds, onwards and upwards and upwards ⚽️👍

29/08/2026

Congratulations and good luck to James Cleverley in his campaign to become London’s next Mayor.

Although disappointed he is stepping down from the Shadow Cabinet as he is a huge asset and a formidable politician, but he will make an outstanding Mayor of London, the best man for the job.

28/08/2026

26/08/2026

Excellent day at Ennerdale Show, lots of good engagement with delegates and lots of good discussions and interest in the forthcoming Cumbria Mayoral Election

21/08/2026

Ben Houchen the Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley has never implemented a Mayoral precept, refused to implement a Tourist Tax and is now pushing the Government to u-turn and allow Mayors to issue rebates to constituents on their income tax, a Mayor that has delivered massive inward investment into Teeside without adding to their residents tax burden and actively trying to reduce it

Ben Houchen is said to be in talks with Treasury officials over use of powers to issue tax rebates