Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Copeland has spoken of her "honour" at her selection – as a polling date of February 23 was revealed.

Gillian Troughton, a borough and county councillor, was selected by her party colleagues in a vote in Egremont on Thursday night, beating off competition from hospital campaigner Rachel Holliday and Allerdale councillor Barbara Cannon.

And Mrs Troughton's campaign kicked into gear yesterday when Jamie Reed formally quit Parliament, triggering a process that is likely to result in the crucial by-election being held on February 23.

“It is an honour to have been selected in my home seat," said Mrs Troughton, 51, a former hospital doctor and volunteer ambulance driver for St John Ambulance. “This is my home. I have been part of the campaign against the proposed cuts to A&E and the maternity wing because I know that our community needs this service.

“This is where my family make their living, and this is where I raised my children. I’m pro-nuclear; no ifs, no buts. I’ll make sure our community gets what it deserves. This is where I raised my children. Copeland has given them so many opportunities. That is why I have spent the last few years campaigning for it. I’m looking forward to campaigning for Copeland in Westminster.”

In his resignation letter, Mr Reed spoke of his pride at his 12 years representing Copeland in Parliament. It was announced last month he is taking up a job at Sellafield. He also paid tribute to Mrs Troughton's selection, adding: "We could not have chosen a better candidate."

The Conservatives' selection process will begin now that Mr Reed has resigned. UKIP have selected Fiona Mills, chairman of the party's Cumbrian branch; the Liberal Democrats will field Cockermouth town councillor Rebecca Hanson; and The Green Party will select on January 24.