Jo Cox successor to be chosen by Labour members from shortlist

Voters will go to the polls on 20 October following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was killed in the constituency in the run-up to the European Union referendum in June.

Former Coronation Street actress Tracy Brabin is among the short-listed Labour candidates hoping to be selected to replace Jo Cox today.

“I’m really really committed to making her proud”. Obviously no one wanted this, but I’m the only person on the ballot paper that can stand up for everyone in Batley and Spen.

The main political parties have announced that they will not contest the seat as mark of respect, however it is expected the English Democrats and Liberty GB will field candidates.

Asked about Labour’s troubles as she campaigned hours after being selected as the party’s candidate in next month’s Batley and Spen by-election, she said: ” Today it’s all going to be over and what’s important is unity.

Labour Party members in the constituency will choose their preferred candidate following a hustings event this evening.

Ms Brabin was born in Batley and worked with Mrs Cox on her campaign to save the town’s library.

“That mission, of bringing communities together and advancing mutual understanding, is what I’m now focused on: It is the good that must come out of the horror”.

Ms Brabin is nearly certain to become the next MP for Batley and Spen next month as the other major parties have all vowed not to field a candidate against Labour.

She played Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street from 1994-97, Roxy Drake in EastEnders in 2001 and Carole in Emmerdale in 2014.

She has also written for shows including Family Affairs, Tracy Beaker and Hollyoaks.

The party does not publish longlists of applicants because some candidates want to remain anonymous in case they apply to stand in other constituencies. She’ll be a strong voice for everyone’. “He was excellent with the kids, we talked about Jo, fighting extremism and the kids gave him their best drawings”.