I am deeply disappointed that this decision has been made. As we are coming through the pandemic, I do not believe this is the time to be even contemplating radical re-structuring of Local Government, which across Cumbria has put in a Herculean effort supporting people through this crisis. I had said that if this did have to go ahead my preference was with the Eden and Carlisle submission of a north-south structure rather than the east-west split we are now faced with. We now have to make the best of this disappointing decision and I will work with Central and Local Government on a constructive cross-party basis to try to secure the best outcome for folk right across our county.
