Labour's candidate for the new Pendle and Clitheroe constituency Jonathan Hinder is stepping up his campaigning for the forthcoming General Election.

The former police inspector is up against Conservative health minister Andrew Stephenson, currently MP for Pendle, which is being abolished at the nationwide poll expected later this year.

Mr Hinder is hosting a series of public meetings as part of his push to take the seat for Labour.

The first three events were held in Earby, Kelbrook and Foulridge and he has nine more planned for February and March, including sessions in Nelson, Colne and Clitheroe.

Mr Hinder, who was selected as Labour’s MP candidate in November 2023, said: “It’s been great to start my community outreach in earnest.

"As someone who grew up at the foot of Pendle Hill and has been an active part of these communities, I already have a good understanding of the local issues, but these sessions will help me to deepen my understanding of the issues people are facing.

“We’ve been joined by people who have voted for all parties. I’ve already met lifelong Conservative voters who are ready for a fresh start and believe that a Labour government is the only way to deliver the change we need.

“We’ve been having some really robust conversations and I want that to continue.

"I think it’s important that hopeful MPs are open and accessible to the public, which is why I’m happy to answer questions on any topic at all.”

His remaining events are at:

  • St Mary’s Church Hall, Sabden on Wednesday, February 21;
  • Colne Primet Community Centre on Thursday, February 22;
  • Barnoldswick Civic Hall on Monday, February 26;
  • Clitheroe Old School Rooms on Tuesday, February 27;
  • Holmefield House in Barrowford on Monday, March 4;
  • Unity Hall in Nelson on Thursday, March 7;
  • Trawden Forest Community Centre on Friday, March 8;
  • Whalley Old Grammar School on Monday, March 18;
  • Read and Simonstone, Village Hall on Thursday, March 21.

The Pendle and Clitheroe seat has been created following the Boundary Commission's redrawing of constituency lines ahead of the next General Election.

It incorporates much of the current Pendle constituency, which has been held for the Tories by former party chair Mr Stephenson since 2010, plus Clitheroe, which is being moved from the Ribble Valley constituency into the new seat. 

According to polling aggregation website Electoral Calculus, if the election were held tomorrow it is predicted Labour would take the seat with an estimated 45 per cent of the vote. Electoral Calculus currently has the Tories at just a 13 per cent chance of winning the seat.