Youngster set to take on MP Pat McLoughlin

Pictured right is Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Derbyshire Dales Ben Fearn with Lib Dem member and former district councillor Alun Thomas of Winster.

Former Darley Dale Primary pupil and ex-Highfield School student Ben Fearn has thrown his hat into the ring for next year’s general election.

Mr Fearn, who is studying English language at Manchester University, said: “I couldn’t be more delighted to be given the opportunity to fight to be the MP of a beautiful part of the world I am proud to call home.”

Inspired by his late grandfather - former Liberal county and district councillor John Leslie Fearn - the 21-year-old’s interest in politics led to his selection as a parliamentary candidate at a hustings meeting in Darley Dale on Friday.

Mr Fearn who writes a blog Views from the Centre Left is concerned about improving wages in the Dales which he claims are among the lowest and he is keen to generate more interest in politics among youngsters while keeping an eye on Matlock’s Bakewell Road scheme.

He added: “I want to fly the flag for the Derbyshire Dales and to replace safe-seat complacency with a new energy to reinvigorate this district.”

Mr Fearn, of Darley Bridge, is proud of the Liberal Democrats’ achievements as part of the Coalition Government, siting a rise in the income tax threshold, a multi-billion pound pupil premium and an increase in the state pension.

The chairman of Derbyshire Dales Liberal Democrats, Darley Dale councillor David Fearn, said Ben has a remarkable grasp for politics at local, national and international levels.

He added: “His speech at last Friday’s hustings was truly the most impressive and inspiring I have heard as a Derbyshire Dales politician.”