Former Corrie star sweeps to by-election win

Jo Cox’s husband welcomes lost deposits of the far right candidates.

The husband of former MP Jo Cox has welcomed the fact that far-right candidates lost their deposits in the by-election triggered by her killing.

Former Coronation Street actress Tracy Brabin was elected Mrs Cox’s successor as Labour MP for Batley and Spen with an overwhelming 86% of the vote, in what she described as a victory for “hope and unity”.

Other mainstream parties did not stand in the by-election in the West Yorkshire seat, but Ms Brabin faced a challenge from nine independents and fringe candidates, including the hardright National Front and British National Party.

Her acceptance speech – which included a tribute to Mrs Cox, who died after being shot and stabbed outside her constituency office in June – was greeted by noisy heckling from supporters of some of the defeated candidates, all of whom lost their £500 deposits after failing to reach 5% of the vote.

Congratulating Ms Brabin on her victory, Brendan Cox tweeted: “Great to see all the purveyors of hate lose their deposits.”

Earlier in the day he had urged the people of the constituency to use their votes to “show the world that hatred has no home in Batley & Spen”.

Ms Brabin said: “This has been a difficult experience for all of us and tonight is a bittersweet occasion for me. That this by-election has had to take place at all is a tragedy.

“I hope Jo will be proud tonight of our community. We have shown that we stand together with one voice choosing unity and hope.”

Picture: PA. Tracy Brabin took 86% of the vote.

Picture: PA, Jo Cox died after being shot and stabbed.

Picture: PA. Brendan Cox.