THE December General Election has reduced the Christmas card cheer sent out by East Lancashire's MPs to their constituents.

Only Rossendale and Darwen's Jake Berry, Ribble Valley's Nigel Evans, Pendle's Andrew Stephenson and Chorley's Sir Lindsay Hoyle have distributed festive messages.

Blackburn's Kate Hollern was not willing to take her election for granted and like new Tory MPs for Hyndburn and Burnley Sara Britcliffe and Antony Higginbotham did not have time after polling day to send out cards.

Sir Lindsay chose as his first card as House of Commons Speaker the well-known painting of the 'View of the Palace of Westminster from the Albert Embankment during The Great Freeze of 1895' by Walter Field.

Mr Stephenson selected the design of Ruby Cryer, aged 11 from Blacko County Primary School, after his annual competition.

Mr Berry chose a photograph of him with his campaign team on election night while Mr Evans used a traditional Christmas tree design.

Sir Lindsay said: "I think after a year of political upheaval we will all be ready for a Christmas break with family and loved ones, I wish my constituents and Lancashire Telegraph readers a very Happy Christmas."

Northern Powerhouse minister Mr Berry said: "It’s a huge honour to have been re-elected. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my brilliant campaign team which is why I wanted to use this photo."

Mr Evans said: "This year’s Christmas card focuses on offering goodwill to all people and bringing unity within our society."

Mr Stephenson said: “I hope people will like Ruby’s design, it certainly caught my eye when judging them."

Mrs Hollern said: "To produce a Parliamentary Christmas card in the midst of an election would have been presumptive and it would be wrong to take my seat for granted."

Miss Britcliffe said: "Sadly I cannot do a constituency card this Christmas. However through the Lancashire Telegraph's columns I would like to wish everyone in the constituency a very Merry Christmas."

Antony Higginbotham said: "I have no plans for a Christmas card. I have not had enough time."