Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has publicly backed Gillian Troughton to be Copeland's next MP.

Mr Corbyn joined Mrs Troughton at a rally in Cleator Moor Civic Hall on Saturday morning, at which he urged voters to support the party's newly-selected candidate for the hotly-anticipated by-election.

Mrs Troughton told those gathered that she will be campaigning for a "safe, secure and properly-funded NHS".

The rally – also attended by Andrew Gwynne MP, Labour's political lead on the campaign – was held on the party's NHS Day of Action, and Mr Corbyn visited the West Cumberland Hospital to speak to staff about the issues faced.

Thursday, February 23 is likely to be the date the election is held to replace Jamie Reed, who has quit Parliament for a job at Sellafield.

He officially tendered his resignation on Friday.

The Conservatives will launch their candidate selection process now that Mr Reed has formally resigned.

The Liberal Democrats will field Cockermouth town councillor and former teacher Rebecca Hanson. UKIP’s Cumbria chairman Fiona Mills will also stand, and the Green Party will make its selection on January 24.