Reed's departure not down to Corbyn

Jamie Reed says his decision to step down as Copeland MP is not down to Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Speaking to The Guardian, Mr Reed said, "This decision has got absolutely nothing to do with Jeremy Corbyn.

"One of the reasons that I am moving on is because I think there's a better way of (serving the community) right now than to remain as a Member of Parliament."

Mr Reed, who was one of Mr Corbyn's most persistent backbench critics, voted for Trident renewal earlier this year, branding the leader's opposition to nuclear weapons "juvenile" and "narcissistic".

South Lakes MP and Liberal Democrat Leader, Tim Farron, told ITV Border that it's clear what Jamie Reed thinks of the current Labour leadership.

Mr Corbyn said local party members would choose a candidate to replace Mr Reed shortly.

Nuclear issues could play a part in the Copeland by-election, as the constituency includes the fuel recycling and decommissioning site at Sellafield and neighbouring Barrow is the location for construction work on the Trident replacement submarines.

Mr Reed, who worked as a press officer at Sellafield before entering Parliament, said his decision to stand down was also motivated in part by a desire to spend more time with his family, saying it was "very difficult being a long-distance dad."

His announcement prompted speculation on social media that the Copeland by-election could provide a route back to Westminster for formerministers David Miliband or Ed Balls.

In the 2015 election, Jamie Reed held Copeland with a 42.3% share of votes.

In a statement released by Sellafield, Mr Reed was called an "outstanding candidate" during the "rigorous" selection process.

Mr Reed will begin his new role as Head of Development and Community Relations on 1st February 2017.

He will report directly to Chief Executive Paul Foster who said Jamie’s responsibilities will be to take the lead on community engagement.