Activists, unions and councillors have begun to announce who they are backing to be Labour's candidate in Brighton Pavilion at the next general election.

Four people are vying to represent the party to contest the only Green seat in Parliament when voters next go to the polls; comedian Eddie Izzard, music industry activist Tom Gray, Goldsmid councillor Birgit Miller and North Portslade councillor Lucy Helliwell.

A candidate is expected to be selected by party members before Christmas.

Eddie Izzard has been endorsed by the most Labour councillors on Brighton and Hove City Council so far, with eight announcing they will back her to be their party’s candidate.

Councillors Mitchie Alexander, Emma Daniel, Ty Goddard, Amanda Grimshaw, David McGregor, Theresa Fowler, Jacob Allen and Jilly Stevens have all pledged their support for the comedian, who was spotted campaigning on doorsteps during the local elections.

However, Tom Gray has received support from the most trade unions, with Unison, Usdaw and the Musicians’ Union backing him to stand in Brighton Pavilion.

Mr Gray has also been backed by former co-leader of the Labour group on the city council Carmen Appich, along with musician Feargal Sharkey and chairman of Brighton and Hove Young Labour Tom Chatfield.

Mr Chatfield said Tom Gray “knows the constituency extremely well, is dedicated to the local community and is passionate about social justice”.

Meanwhile, Brighton-born manager of Southampton FC Russell Martin has announced he is backing Eddie Izzard to be Labour’s candidate in Brighton Pavilion.

He said: “For years, I’ve supported the local Green Party - anything to keep the Tories out of Brighton, but in my heart I’m a staunch Labour supporter.

“Eddie gets my vote any day. I think Labour would be mad to turn down the opportunity as having Eddie as their candidate here.”

Current MP for Brighton Pavilion Caroline Lucas announced earlier this year she will not stand for re-election. The Green Party has already selected former party leader Sian Berry as their candidate to hold their only seat in Parliament at the election, expected some time next year.

Although the Green Party won Brighton Pavilion with a large majority at the 2019 election, Labour are hoping to flip the seat after the party’s success at the local elections in May.