Libby Bateman selected as Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Cumbria

The Liberal Democrats have today announced the selection of Libby Bateman as their candidate for Cumbria Mayoral elections which are expected to take place in May 2027.

Libby brings with her years of experience of working alongside Cumbrian communities to find solutions to problems; driving change on issues such as digital connectivity, countryside access, rural crime, housing, and public transport.

As a former Cumbria County Councillor and current Board Member of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Libby has a wide range of experience of working across local government, ensuring public money is well spent on vital infrastructure and services.

Libby has a proven record of community action. Her achievements range from founding a local First Responder team and establishing a community bus charity, to building a community broadband network and successfully campaigning to fund county-wide delivery. Today, she works for Fibrus, connecting Cumbria's most rural areas to full-fibre, hyperfast broadband.

A champion of Cumbrian farming and rural business, Libby spent seven years as a rural advisor and lobbyist for the Country Land and Business Association (the CLA). Working side by side with rural businesses and government to ensure fair and relevant policy making for communities across the North of England.

Libby said: “Cumbria is unique in its geography, economy, and communities, and we need investment that reflects those local realities, not a one-size-fits-all model. A Mayoral Strategic Authority will bring decision-making powers and long-term funding home to Cumbria, allowing us to prioritise what matters most: better public transport, affordable housing, skills development, and safer, stronger communities.

“I’m honoured to have been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of Cumbria. Over the next 18 months, I’ll be out and about listening to people and businesses across the County, working together to shape a more resilient, prosperous future. This is not about one person, it’s about Cumbria having a stronger voice and a better deal for everyone.”

The Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Tim Farron said: “For this form of devolution to work for Cumbria, we need a mayor who is totally immersed in our communities, listening to and working with local people and businesses to tackle the issues facing our county.

“So I’m thrilled that Libby Bateman has been selected as our candidate – someone with a fantastic track record of getting alongside local communities to get things done, whether that’s better bus services or improved broadband.

“As a former Conservative councillor, she represents many people across our county who are appalled at what the Conservative Party have become in recent years, and have instead turned to the Liberal Democrats.

“Libby will fight to get Cumbria’s voice heard, and I’m proud to stand with her in that fight.”