Former United States Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders has backed his brother Larry to win the upcoming by-election in Witney.

The US senator for Vermont said his brother, the Green Party candidate, was the only candidate who could create a fair and less-divided nation.

Bernie was Hilary Clinton's main opponent in the fight to become the Democratic Party's candidate for President of the United States.

He said: "From when I was a very little kid Larry and I discussed issues of social justice, economic justice, and racial justice.

"My brother is a very, very caring human being who wants to see the government represent all of the people. Not just the people on top.

“He wants to see a society in which we do not have massive levels of income and wealth inequality. 

“From decades now, and I hear this from him almost every week, he has been working to strengthen the NHS to ensure that it is the quality system that everyone in the UK is entitled to".

The by-election in Witney was triggered by the resignation of David Cameron and will be held on Thursday, October 20.

Green Party deputy leader Jonathan Bartley said: "We welcome Bernie Sanders' support for his brother in this election.

"Larry is committed to building a fairer Britain and tackling the entrenched inequality that has blighted our society for so long.

"With Larry as a candidate the people of Witney have a chance to vote for someone putting forward the bold policies we so desperately need to build a better Britain.

"As I found when I recently visited Witney, Larry is a tireless campaigner whose proven track record of protecting our NHS is needed now more than ever."