Copeland's long-standing MP, Jamie Reed, is resigning to take a job at Sellafield.

The Labour MP has announced his shock resignation. It will take effect from the end of January.

He said: "Today is the worst day of my life. I’m heartbroken but I think it’s the right decision to take at the right time."

Mr Reed, who has been Copeland’s MP for 12 years, will become head of development and community relations at Sellafield Ltd from February 1.

He cited numerous reasons for the dramatic change, including family considerations and building upon his work as MP.

Mr Reed, whose majority over the Conservatives was 2,564 in last year’s election, said: "It has been an honour to have been elected to represent the people of Copeland at the last three general elections.

"I am proud of what I have achieved over the past 12 years with the help and support of the Copeland community and the last Labour government."

He said that, after years of long commutes to London, his new job at Sellafield will enable him to work locally. “It gives me the opportunity to come home at night to my family. That’s something that’s really important when I have four school-age children,” he said.

He refuted notions that he is resigning due to his working relationship with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Mr Reed famously resigned as a shadow health minister within minutes of Mr Corbyn’s victory in the 2015 leadership contest.

He said: “There is no animosity between Jeremy and me. The relationship has been constructively better. I love the Labour party and I love our community.”

He also said that possible boundary changes – which could West Cumbria’s two coastal constituencies merge into one – was also not a factor in his decision to resign.

A writ will have to be moved by MPs for a by-election to be called.

Mr Reed says his new job will involve ensuring that the cash Sellafield spends in the area is seen more in the community than it is now.

He says he will be “shaping policies at government level”. “I want Sellafield’s supply chain to grow locally and I want to help to attract more investment into the area,” he said.

Mr Reed’s salary as an MP is £74,962. His new salary at Sellafield Ltd has not been disclosed.

Paul Foster, Sellfield Ltd’s chief executive, said: "We identified a need for this crucial senior role, advertised the post, and were delighted with the calibre of applicants. Jamie was the outstanding candidate."