A SENIOR Tory figure has promised businesses in Carlisle would be safe from the risks of a no-deal Brexit under a Conservative majority.

James Cleverly, chairman of the Conservative Party since Boris Johnson became prime minister this summer, made a flying visit to Carlisle yesterday in support of the city’s Tory candidate John Stevenson.

Mr Cleverly described his confidence in the Prime Minister to see a deal through with the European Union in time for the country’s scheduled departure on January 31.

“We want a deal, the EU wants a deal,” he said.

“We’ve got a prime minister who’s demonstrated his ability to negotiate.

“That’s why I’m completely confident that we will get a deal and it will protect businesses here in Carlisle.”

He added that he was proud of rising trends in employment figures, the most recent example of which in Carlisle is the arrival of delivery company Deliveroo, which will create 50 jobs in the coming year.

“We’ve seen more people in work than ever before,” he said.

“While a lot of people in work still struggle financially, without a doubt the best way of lifting people out of poverty is for them to have a job.

“The largest increase in employment figures has come from full-time jobs.

“The nature of the modern economy means that we will see lots of jobs being created by companies like Deliveroo.

“That is a reflection of the changing lifestyles and expectations people have.”

He added: “We have reduced the amount of tax that lower earners pay. And we will continue to do that so people will have more money in their pocket.”

But Labour candidate Ruth Alcroft said the Conservatives were deaf to the struggles faced by the lowest earners.

“One person I spoke to earned 5p above minimum wage and had 8p left in his bank account after he got fined for being off sick,” she said.

“Another couple loses money from their Universal Credit payment every time one of them has a good month in the factory they work in, making it impossible to budget.

“These are real life examples of how the Tories have not worked for people in Carlisle.”

“Labour is adamant investment must reach every part of the UK and has set out its manifesto for the north west.

“Over £16 billion will be invested in the region through transport, steel, broadband, house building and green jobs.

“We will give workers a right to a contract that reflects the hours they work, introduce a £10 minimum wage and scrap universal credit.

Also standing in Carlisle are Julia Aglionby, Liberal Democrats; and Fiona Mills, Ukip.