Lucy Belbin Up for Ormsgill in Barrow By-Election

Labour Selects Lucy Belbin for Ormsgill By-Election

Labour has selected lifelong Barrow resident Lucy Belbin as its candidate in the upcoming Ormsgill by-election.

Residents will vote on Thursday, August 27, to choose a new member of Barrow Town Council. Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm.

The election was called after former independent councillor Chris Altree left his position. Three candidates are standing for the vacant seat:

Lucy Belbin – Labour Party
John McDonnell – Conservative Party
Ellie Reynolds – Reform UK

Who Is Lucy Belbin?

Lucy is a 30-year-old mother of three who has lived in Barrow throughout her life.

She began her career in hospitality before moving into the charity sector, victim support services and early years education.

Part of her work involved delivering group programmes for children who had experienced domestic abuse. She also supported children and young people as they dealt with difficult experiences.

Lucy said this work strengthened her belief that everyone should have access to the support and opportunities they need to do well.

She believes her experience has also taught her how important it is to listen, understand different points of view and help people find practical solutions.

What Does She Believe In?

Lucy has placed listening to residents at the centre of her campaign.

She believes a town councillor should represent local people, make sure their views are heard and help them raise concerns with the organisations able to act.

Her stated priorities for Ormsgill include:

Creating more opportunities for children and young people
Addressing anti-social behaviour
Improving community safety
Making sure Ormsgill benefits from investment across Barrow
Listening to residents and representing their concerns
Working with community groups and other elected representatives

Lucy said Ormsgill should receive a fair share of the opportunities and investment linked to Barrow’s wider growth and regeneration.

She has also highlighted concerns about grass cutting, bin collections and the condition of local roads.

These services are mainly the responsibility of Westmorland and Furness Council rather than Barrow Town Council. However, Lucy believes a town councillor can still raise residents’ concerns and press the relevant authority to take action.

Why Does She Want to Become a Councillor?

Lucy believes her previous work supporting families, children and victims of abuse would help her represent people facing a wide range of problems.

She also says she has developed relationships with community organisations and elected representatives across Barrow.

If elected, she intends to use these connections and her understanding of local government to direct residents’ concerns towards the people and organisations responsible for making decisions.

Lucy has described herself as energetic and committed to serving the local community.

Residents Invited to Meet the Candidate

Lucy will hold an informal public meeting where residents can meet her and discuss issues affecting Ormsgill.

The meeting will take place at:

Lower Hall, St Matthew’s Community Halls
Harrogate Street, Barrow, LA14 5PA
Tuesday, August 11, from 6pm

Lucy said family commitments during the school summer holidays mean she may be unable to visit as many homes as she would like. The public meeting is intended to provide another way for residents to speak to her directly.

What Does Barrow Town Council Do?

Barrow Town Council was created in 2023 and represents 11 wards across the town, including Ormsgill.

Its work includes managing allotments, supporting community projects, providing grants and organising or supporting local events. It also gives Barrow a representative voice when dealing with larger public bodies.

The council does not directly control major services such as roads, household bin collections, housing benefits or social care. These are generally managed by Westmorland and Furness Council.

However, town councillors can raise local problems, support community groups and campaign for improvements on behalf of residents.

When Is the Ormsgill By-Election?

The by-election will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm. Registered voters should receive a polling card confirming where they need to vote.

Residents do not need to take their polling card with them, but anyone voting in person must bring an accepted form of photo identification. This can include:

A passport
A full or provisional driving licence
A Blue Badge
Certain concessionary travel passes
A PASS proof-of-age card
A Voter Authority Certificate

The ID must be the original document rather than a photocopy. Expired identification may still be accepted if the photograph remains a clear likeness of the voter.