THE Green Party has announced its candidate to stand in the upcoming Copeland by-election, opposing nuclear power and cuts to hospital services.

Jack Lenox, from Keswick, will contest the parliamentary seat on Thursday February 23.

The software engineer says he is opposed to nuclear power and instead wants greater investment in renewable energy.

Mr Lenox said: "Copeland has borne the brunt of government funding cuts and healthcare is facing stark challenges – West Cumberland Hospital's maternity and A&E departments are under threat. We will also suffer if Theresa May yanks Britain out of the single market and turn our country into a corporate tax haven.

"Copeland comprises some of the most deprived parts of the UK, it suffered severe flooding during the storms of last winter, and its constituents are forced to deal with continuous price hikes and cutbacks to public transport services.

"On top of all this, an ill-conceived new nuclear power plant is due to be built at Sellafield, the site of the UK's worst ever nuclear disaster.

"The Green Party is the only party with truly progressive solutions to the issues Copeland faces.

"It's a privilege and an honour to represent the Greens as a beacon of hope during this turbulent period in British politics."

Mr Lenox performs with and serves on the committee of the Keswick Amateur Operatic Society.

In 2015, he helped organise the first web conference in Cumbria, bringing industry experts from across the world to Keswick.

Others confirmed to contest the by-election to replace Jamie Reed, are Gillian Troughton (Labour), Rebecca Hanson (Liberal Democrats), Fiona Mills (Ukip) and Trudy Harrison (Conservative).