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Former London mayoral candidate Sian Berry has been tipped to replace Caroline Lucas as co-leader of the Green Party.

Ms Lucas, who is also the party’s only MP, said she is standing down so she can focus on her Brighton Pavilion constituency.

She was leader between 2008 and 2012, and joint leader since 2016 alongside Jonathan Bartley.

The Greens dropped behind Ukip in the 2017 General Election as their vote share halved compared to 2015.

London Assembly member Ms Berry and Bristol’s new Lord Mayor Cleo Lake are tipped to take over, and may run on a joint ticket with Mr Bartley.

Ms Berry, 43, ran to become Mayor in 2016, finishing third, and sits on Camden council, gaining her seat last month with an increased majority.

A source said: “She is very well known in London. She’s got a lot of experience and knows about winning elections. She’s one of the talented people.”

Nominations open on Friday with the new leader, or leaders, due to be announced in September.

Party rules say those running on a co-leader ticket cannot be the same gender.