A Labour MP has said that Caroline Lucas rose above the "chaos of local Green politics" after she announced she will be stepping down at the next election. 

Ms Lucas, the UK’s first and only Green MP has held the seat in Brighton Pavilion since being elected in 2010, but is standing down as her parliamentary commitments have meant she has been unable to focus more on “the existential challenges that drive [her] - the nature and climate emergencies”. 

Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown, said she should be "proud" of her decades of public service.

He said: “Caroline has been a force for progressive change in parliament. She has always been able to rise above the chaos of local Green politics to put Brighton on the map nationally.

"She should be exceptionally proud of her decades of public service, and I wish her all the best for the future.”

Bella Sankey, the new leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, chimed in with Mr Russell-Moyle, saying she will "continue to play and important role in public life".

“Caroline Lucas has made a huge contribution to the politics of our country and the lives of residents in Brighton," said Cllr Sankey.

"She is rightly respected for her integrity and using her voice to hold consecutive Tory Government’s to account."

Peter Kyle, Labour MP for Hove and Portslade: "I was hit with a pang of sadness when I read the news.

"Caroline brought a unique voice into our politics and treated me with kindness and friendship.

"Working together on key local and national issues has been a joy. I wish her nothing but the best in the next stages of career as an activist, campaigner and advocate"