The Workington and Whitehaven Conservative Party members have chosen a former Labour councillor for a Town Council Election.

Billy Miskelly, 67, is hoping to make a return to local frontline politics as a Conservative having been selected as the Tory candidate for Stainburn.

A town council by-election is due to be announced imminently for the vacant seat.

Mike Johnson, leader of the Conservatives on Cumberland Council, said: “I am pleased to welcome Billy aboard. He was a dedicated borough councillor.

“Recognising that the town has been deserted by Labour, he has continued to help its people on the local issues that matter.”

The 67-year-old candidate said he is increasingly in agreement with the Conservatives on national policy matters, particularly around protecting the Winter Fuel Allowance for vulnerable pensioners and the importance of tackling illegal migration.

The former Labour stalwart previously represented St Michael’s ward as a borough councillor for eight years, and served on the Town Council for twelve.

He had been active campaigner for Labour for many years, for David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, and also for Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister.

Mr Miskelly undertook canvassing and leafleting as he was battling cancer but no longer feels at home within the Labour Party.

Mr Miskelly resigned from the Labour Party earlier this year and joined the Conservatives, after much “soul-searching”.

Billy Miskelly said: “I firmly believe that councillors of all political stripes or of none should be working together for the good of the people they were elected to serve – particularly at a parish or town council level.”

He has long-standing ties with Stainburn, having worked as a chef at the Briery Pub and Restaurant when he lived in a house over the road.

He worked for 26 years at the Trades Hall providing training and support for the unemployed; working to help those with drug and alcohol dependence; and supporting local food banks.