The Green Party has announced that Jack Lenox will stand as its candidate in the Copeland Parliamentary by-election.

Mr Lenox has lived locally for four years and works as a software engineer. His selection for the February 23 election was confirmed this afternoon.

He says he is opposed to nuclear power and is instead offering a safe energy future with increased investment in renewables.

He will also be campaigning for Britain to maintain a close relationship with Europe and to stop the creeping marketisation of the NHS.

He is also vowing action protect West Cumbrian homes from flooding.

Mr Lenox said: "I'm delighted the Green Party has selected me to contest this by-election.

"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."

Jonathan Bartley, Green Party co-leader, said: "Jack is giving people in Copeland to vote for a candidate who opposes nuclear power, believes in Britain having a close relationship with Europe and fights for a truly public NHS.

"No other party is able to offer voters this clarity on the big issues facing the area. In a time of divisive politics and high levels of distrust, Jack will make an excellent Green Party candidate and we're proud to have him.”

Others confirmed to contest the by-election to replace Jamie Reed, who resigned last week, are Gillian Troughton (Labour), Rebecca Hanson (Liberal Democrats) and Fiona Mills (Ukip).

The Conservatives are selecting their candidate tomorrow night.