Speculation is mounting over contenders to be Copeland's new MP after Jamie Reed's shock resignation.

A fiercely fought by-election is being expected by parties across the political spectrum following Mr Reed's departure from parliament.

It follows the announcement on Wednesday that Mr Reed is standing down from politics to take a top job at Sellafield Ltd.

Copeland is being put in the national spotlight as one of the constituency's key issues is nuclear - a topic which has caused political tension.

Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls had been suggested as a contender by national media outlets, as has Thomas Docherty, a former Labour MP for Dunfermline and West Fife.

However Mr Balls has ruled himself out of the contest because of "diary commitments". He will in fact be touring with Strictly Come Dancing in January and February

Mr Docherty, the son of late Copeland Councillor Bob Docherty, was shortlisted in 2005 to become a Labour candidate for Copeland. However Mr Reed was selected and went on to win the seat.

The nation is watching developments closely as

Workington councillor Andrew Lawson, who at 20 was the youngest ever Mayor of Workington in 2012, said he is considering throwing his hat into the ring.

He said he is "passionate about West Cumbria" and says the nuclear industry is the "backbone of the West Cumbrian economy".

On the proposed new power station at Moorside, Mr Lawson added: "It’s more important than ever the Labour party show our support."

And there is speculation about political figures who have previously stood against Mr Reed could be considered including Conservatives' Stephen Haraldsen and Chris Whiteside.

In the 2015 elections, Mr Haraldsen received just 2,564 votes less than victor Mr Reed.

Yesterday David Moore, Conservative leader for Copeland Council, told the News & Star: "Stephen Haraldsen fought for us last time. He would definitely be one of the people we would like to sit. Chris Whiteside has fought for the seat twice."

He said the Tory party would like to see a local candidate take the seat and both Mr Haraldsen and Mr Whiteside would be "well placed" for the role.

Speaking about nuclear issues, Coun Moore said: "Nuclear is a big issue. Basically we [Copeland] are nuclear through and through. Having said that no-one was more surprised than me to see where Jamie has gone [Sellafield Ltd]."

"What is clear is that this is going to be an opportunity for Copeland- we are going to see some high profile visits," said Coun Moore.

At the last election, both Labour and Conservative figures were down on 2010, with UKIP's Michael Pye taking a large percentage from both to poll 6,148.

Mr Pye said he intends to put his name forward as a contender for the by-election along with a number of others from his party.

A writ will have to be moved by parliament at the end of January for a by-election to be called for a new MP.

Selection processes would have to take place across the parties for candidates.

Speculation about which political party will take the seat is already hotting up.

Bookmaker William Hill has already tipped the Conservatives to take Copeland from Labour.

It has made the Conservatives 5/4 favourites to take Copeland while the Labour's odds of keeping the seat were 6/4. UKIP is 4/1 third favourites.