THE Green Party has announced it will contest the upcoming Copeland by-election on an anti-nuclear and anti-poverty campaign.

Members of Allerdale and Copeland Green Party decided to stand in the Copeland vote which was brought about by the resignation of the constituency's current Labour MP Jamie Reed.

READ MORE: Copeland MP Jamie Reed explains his reasons for leaving Parliament

A candidate will be selected on January 24.

Clare Brown, chairman of the Allerdale and Copeland Green Party, said: "We feel it's vitally important to offer a vote to those people who want to see a fair and sustainable future for the area.

"There are clear differences between us and the other parties and we welcome this opportunity to campaign on our priorities, which include sustainable energy and standing against nuclear power, as well as anti-poverty measures and exposing the lie of austerity."

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, said: "The Greens are the only party in Copeland campaigning against nuclear power, to defend the NHS and for a close relationship with Europe."

Pundits say the poll for his replacement could be held on May 4, linking in with the county council elections. As the party that currently holds the seat, Labour has to formally move the by-election writ to select his replacement and can dictate the date constituents go to the polls.

Labour are defending a majority of 2,564 in Copeland from 2015, making it the tightest by-election for the party since Jeremy Corbyn became leader.

The Liberal Democrats have already announced Cockermouth councillor and health campaigner Rebecca Hanson as their candidate .

Labour will choose a candidate from a shortlist of Barbara Cannon, Gillian Troughton and Rachel Holliday.