Labour Party groups across Cumbria are already looking to appoint candidates ahead of the next General Election.

In Carlisle, local members have voted against an all-women shortlist, as they start the process of selecting their prospective MP.

Both of the city's last two Labour candidates were women - Lee Sherriff in 2015 and Ruth Alcroft earlier this year.

Ms Alcroft, who had just over a month to campaign in the last election, has confirmed she would be keen to stand again.

However, several others are believed to have expressed an interest. It is not known whether Miss Sherriff, who ruled herself out of standing again in this year's General Election, is among them.

Although there is no election date in the pipeline, the Labour Party nationally is keen to get candidates in place.

It is believed leaders are particularly focused on getting names confirmed in potential swing seats, including Carlisle and Copeland.

The Carlisle Labour Party met recently to discuss their selection process, and voted against an all-woman shortlist.

This recommendation will be put forward to the party's National Executive Committee (NEC), which will have the final say on where in the country to put forward all-female candidate lists.

Elsie Martlew, chairwoman of the Carlisle Labour Party, said: "The majority of the membership voted, overwhelmingly, for an open shortlist. Our view will now be considered by the NEC.

"We would like the best candidate from the whole membership, rather than the best of half of it.

"Carlisle Labour Party has never had a problem appointing women. We have a good record. We have some excellent women in Carlisle Labour Party."

As well as fielding female candidates, she added that the local party also has strong female representation on its executive committee.

The national selections are expected to push on following next week's Labour Party Conference.

Mrs Martlew anticipates that Carlisle will have a prospective Labour MP, voted for by local members, by the end of the year.