Josh MacAlister pledges to revitalise high streets in Whitehaven

Josh MacAlister, selected as the party's candidate in controversial circumstances in June, went on a tour of Whitehaven with visiting shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds. 

The visit comes as new figures from Labour show that their policy to cut business rates for small firms 'would have saved the average shop in Copeland £3,113 last year'.

High streets in west Cumbria have been the target of rising costs due to spiraling inflation, steep tax rises, and spiking energy bills.

Meanwhile, a decade of low economic growth means footfall has fallen across the country and firms have struggled to attract customers.  

Josh MacAlister and Jonathan Reynolds visit The Harbour Master (Image: Supplied)

Mr MacAlister and Mr Reynolds announced plans to revitalise high streets, with policies to cut tax, cut energy bills, stamp out late payments, revamp empty shops, and tackle anti-social behaviour.

Jonathan Reynolds MP said: “It’s been fantastic visiting Whitehaven and seeing the vibrant shops and cafes that make this such a wonderful place to live.

"Labour wants our high streets to be even better - that’s why we will lower costs for business owners, tackling business rates and late payments.

Josh MacAlister and Jonathan Reynolds in The Rum Story shop (Image: Supplied)

"Labour will make high streets a great place to shop tackling the anti-social behaviour and empty shops that have become a common sight.”

Labour says they will cut business rates, they said: "High street businesses shouldn’t face big tax hikes whilst online giants are let off the hook.

"Labour would have cut business rates for small businesses on the high street by properly taxing online giants."

The pair visit Dixon's Department Store (Image: Supplied)

They continued: "Many beloved high street businesses face an uncertain future due to spiking energy bills.

"Labour helps them cut their bills for good with vouchers for energy efficiency measures – such as double glazing at a local cinema, a new heat pump in a café, or an electric vehicle for a takeaway."

Josh MacAlister candidate for Whitehaven and Workington said: “Whitehaven is a beautiful town with so much potential. I want all our town centres in West Cumbria to be vibrant places with a diverse retail and leisure offering for local people and visitors."