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{{short description|UK parliament by-election}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox election {{Infobox election
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| country = United Kingdom | country = United Kingdom
| seats_for_election = ] constituency | seats_for_election = ] constituency
| ongoing = no
| ongoing = no <!--The election is ongoing, but this better displays terminology for the prior MP; see discussion on Talk.-->
| previous_election = 2015 United Kingdom general election | previous_election = 2015 United Kingdom general election
| previous_year = 2015 | previous_year = 2015
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| next_year = 2017 | next_year = 2017
| election_date = 20 October 2016 | election_date = 20 October 2016
| monarch = ] | turnout = 25.8%
| primeminister1 = ]
| candidate1 = ''']''' | candidate1 = ''']'''
| image1 = ] | image1 = ]
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| percentage1 = '''85.8%''' | percentage1 = '''85.8%'''
| swing1 = {{increase}}42.6% | swing1 = {{increase}}42.6%
| map_image = BatleySpen2007Constituency.svg | map_image =
| map_size = 250px | map_size =
| map_caption =
| map_caption = Location of ] within ]
| title = ] | title = ]
| posttitle = | posttitle =
| before_election = ] | before_election = ]
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| after_party = ] | after_party = ]
}} }}
The '''Batley and Spen by-election''' was a ] ] held on 20 October 2016 in the ] of ]. The by-election was triggered by ] of incumbent ] (MP) ] on 16 June 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/16/labour-mp-jo-cox-shot-in-leeds-witnesses-report/|title=Labour MP Jo Cox dies after being shot and stabbed as husband urges people to 'fight against the hate' that killed her|work=]|date=16 June 2016| accessdate=16 June 2016}}</ref> Labour candidate ] won with 85.8% of the vote. Four parties with parliamentary representation did not enter candidates, out of respect for Cox. Nine candidates, the majority of whom were from minor far-right parties, contested against Labour, and none reached the 5% threshold to keep their ]. On 20 October 2016, a ] was held in the ] ] of ]. It was triggered by ] of the incumbent ] (MP), ], on 16 June 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/16/labour-mp-jo-cox-shot-in-leeds-witnesses-report/|title=Labour MP Jo Cox dies after being shot and stabbed as husband urges people to 'fight against the hate' that killed her|work=]|date=16 June 2016| accessdate=16 June 2016}}</ref> The Labour candidate, ], won with 85.8% of the vote. Four parties with parliamentary representation did not enter candidates, out of respect for Cox. Nine candidates contested against Labour, and none reached the 5% threshold to keep their ].


The by-election was scheduled to coincide with the ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37371430|title=Batley by-election to be on 20 October|date=15 September 2016|work=BBC News|language=en-GB|access-date=15 September 2016}}</ref> They were the fifth and sixth by-elections of the ]. The by-election was scheduled to coincide with the ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37371430|title=Batley by-election to be on 20 October|date=15 September 2016|work=BBC News|access-date=15 September 2016}}</ref> They were the fifth and sixth by-elections of the ].


==Candidates== ==Candidates==
The ], followed by the ], ] and the ], stated that, as a mark of respect, they would not contest the by-election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jo-cox-death-conservatives-will-not-contest-murdered-labour-mp-seat-batley-spen-thomas-mair-a7087246.html|title=Jo Cox death: Parties stand down in killed Labour MP's seat as Corbyn and Cameron call for unity|first=Jon|last=Stone|work=The Independent|date=17 June 2016|accessdate=17 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/major-parties-will-not-contest-jo-cox-s-seat-1-7969733|title=Major parties will not contest Jo Cox’s seat|date=17 June 2016|work=Yorkshire Post|accessdate=17 June 2016}}</ref> Brendan Cox, Jo Cox's widower, also ruled out standing for the seat.<ref>{{cite news|first=Adam |last=Withnall |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jo-cox-died-for-her-political-views-says-husband-brendan-cox-in-first-interview-a7093856.html |title=Jo Cox ‘died for her political views’, says husband Brendan Cox in first interview |publisher=Independent Print Limited |newspaper=The Independence |date=21 June 2016 |accessdate=21 June 2016}}</ref> The ], the ], ] and the ] all declined to contest the election, as a mark of respect.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jo-cox-death-conservatives-will-not-contest-murdered-labour-mp-seat-batley-spen-thomas-mair-a7087246.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jo-cox-death-conservatives-will-not-contest-murdered-labour-mp-seat-batley-spen-thomas-mair-a7087246.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Jo Cox death: Parties stand down in killed Labour MP's seat as Corbyn and Cameron call for unity|first=Jon|last=Stone|work=The Independent|date=17 June 2016|accessdate=17 June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/major-parties-will-not-contest-jo-cox-s-seat-1-7969733|title=Major parties will not contest Jo Cox's seat |first=Kate |last=Proctor |date=17 June 2016 |work=The Yorkshire Post |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618091604/http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/major-parties-will-not-contest-jo-cox-s-seat-1-7969733 |archivedate=18 June 2016 |accessdate=15 July 2024}}</ref> Brendan Cox, Jo Cox's widower, also ruled out standing for the seat.<ref>{{cite news|first=Adam |last=Withnall |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jo-cox-died-for-her-political-views-says-husband-brendan-cox-in-first-interview-a7093856.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jo-cox-died-for-her-political-views-says-husband-brendan-cox-in-first-interview-a7093856.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Jo Cox 'died for her political views', says husband Brendan Cox in first interview |publisher=Independent Print Limited |newspaper=The Independent |date=21 June 2016 |accessdate=21 June 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


Labour began the process of selecting a candidate on 14 September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-37361980 |title=Jo Cox death: Labour opens Batley & Spen by-election selection |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=14 September 2016 |accessdate=14 September 2016}}</ref> Batley-born actress ], and ]-based<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/news_elections/general_election_2010/constituencies/217.keighley/candidates/569._jane_thomas/ |title=Jane Thomas, Labour, Keighley |website=Thetelegraphandargus.co.uk |date= |accessdate=3 October 2016}}</ref> campaigner Jane Thomas were shortlisted for selection on 19 September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/19/actor-tracy-brabin-frontrunner-win-jo-cox-batley-spen-jane-thomas|title= Former actor Tracy Brabin is frontrunner to win Jo Cox's seat |last=Halliday|first=Josh|date=19 September 2016|newspaper=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian Media Group|accessdate=20 September 2016}}</ref> Brabin won the selection on 23 September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-37451237 |title=Soap star Tracy Brabin to stand in Jo Cox by-election |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=23 September 2016 |accessdate=23 September 2016}}</ref> Brabin had campaigned for Cox at the 2015 election, and had been told by her that "you should be an MP".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Perraudin|first1=Frances|title=Tracy Brabin: 'I hope I can build on Jo Cox's legacy'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/30/tracy-brabin-i-hope-i-can-build-on-jo-coxs-legacy|accessdate=22 October 2016|work=The Guardian|date=30 September 2016}}</ref> Labour began selecting a candidate on 14 September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-37361980 |title=Jo Cox death: Labour opens Batley & Spen by-election selection |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=14 September 2016 |accessdate=14 September 2016}}</ref> The Batley-born actress ] and the ]-based<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/news_elections/general_election_2010/constituencies/217.keighley/candidates/569._jane_thomas/ |title=Jane Thomas, Labour, Keighley |website=The Telegraph and Argus |date= |accessdate=3 October 2016}}</ref> campaigner, Jane Thomas, were shortlisted for selection on 19 September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/19/actor-tracy-brabin-frontrunner-win-jo-cox-batley-spen-jane-thomas|title=Former actor Tracy Brabin is frontrunner to win Jo Cox's seat |last=Halliday|first=Josh|date=19 September 2016|newspaper=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian Media Group|accessdate=20 September 2016}}</ref> Brabin won the selection on 23 September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-37451237 |title=Soap star Tracy Brabin to stand in Jo Cox by-election |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=23 September 2016 |accessdate=23 September 2016}}</ref> She had campaigned for Cox at the 2015 election, and had been told by her that "you should be an MP".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Perraudin|first1=Frances|title=Tracy Brabin: 'I hope I can build on Jo Cox's legacy'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/30/tracy-brabin-i-hope-i-can-build-on-jo-coxs-legacy|accessdate=22 October 2016|work=The Guardian|date=30 September 2016}}</ref>


On 18 July, the ] announced that their deputy chairman Therese Hirst, a former leader of ], would be their candidate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.batleynews.co.uk/news/local/english-democrats-put-up-candidate-to-fight-for-jo-cox-s-seat-1-8021349 |title=English Democrats put up candidate to fight for Jo Cox's seat |work=Batley and Birstall News |date=19 July 2016 |accessdate=12 August 2016}}</ref> Hirst (as Therese Muchewicz) stood for ] at the ], but came last with 98 votes (0.2%). She was again their candidate for West Yorkshire in the ], where she again had the least support, with 20,656 votes (3.9%). She had previously stood for Veritas in ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Booth |first=Phil |url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/english-democrats-contest-election-jo-11630183 |title=English Democrats to contest by-election for Jo Cox's Batley & Spen seat with "pro-leave" candidate |newspaper=Huddersfield Daily Examiner |publisher=Trinity Mirror |date=18 July 2016 |accessdate=18 July 2016}}</ref> On 18 July, the ] announced that its deputy chairman, Therese Hirst, a former leader of ], would be its candidate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.batleynews.co.uk/news/local/english-democrats-put-up-candidate-to-fight-for-jo-cox-s-seat-1-8021349 |title=English Democrats put up candidate to fight for Jo Cox's seat |work=Batley and Birstall News |date=19 July 2016 |accessdate=12 August 2016}}</ref> Hirst (as Therese Muchewicz) stood in ] at the ], but came last with 98 votes (0.2%). She was again its candidate for West Yorkshire in the ], where she again had the least support, with 20,656 votes (3.9%). She had previously stood for Veritas in ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Booth |first=Phil |url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/english-democrats-contest-election-jo-11630183 |title=English Democrats to contest by-election for Jo Cox's Batley & Spen seat with "pro-leave" candidate |newspaper=Huddersfield Daily Examiner |publisher=Trinity Mirror |date=18 July 2016 |accessdate=18 July 2016}}</ref>


The ] (BNP) chose David Furness, who had earlier that year received 0.5% of votes in the ].<ref name=candidates/> The National Front chose veteran campaigner ], a ] for them and the BNP who came last with 49 votes in ] in the 2015 general election.<ref name=candidates/> On 18 June 2016, ] announced that ], a former BNP politician, would be its candidate in the by-election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dead-murdered-labour-mp-batley-and-spen-by-election-bnp-politician-jack-buckby-a7089966.html|title=Jo Cox: Former BNP politician Jack Buckby to contest by-election for murdered MP's Batley and Spen seat|date=20 June 2016|accessdate=20 June 2016|work=The Independent}}</ref> Liberty GB registered the description 'No to terrorism, yes to Britain,' which appeared on the ballot paper instead of the party name.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Registrations/PP2032 |title=View registration - The Electoral Commission |website=Search.electoralcommission.org.uk |date= |accessdate=3 October 2016}}</ref> Neil Humphrey stood for the English Independence party as Corbyn Anti (and so was listed as 'Anti Corbyn' on the ballot paper);<ref>{{cite web|url=http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Registrations/PP4231 |title=View registration - The Electoral Commission |website=Search.electoralcommission.org.uk |date= |accessdate=3 October 2016}}</ref> this new party supports English nationalism.<ref>{{cite web|first=Tom |last=Gordon |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14709282.Party__39_s_anti_Indyref_slogan_rejected_as__quot_offensive_quot_/ |title=Party's anti-Indyref slogan rejected as "offensive" |website=Heraldscotland.com |date=28 August 2016 |accessdate=3 October 2016}}</ref> The ] (BNP) chose David Furness, who had earlier that year received 0.5% of votes in the ].<ref name=candidates>{{cite news|last1=Lavigeur|first1=Nick|title=Who are the candidates in the Batley and Spen by-election?|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/who-candidates-batley-spen-election-11952570|accessdate=22 October 2016|work=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=29 September 2016}}</ref> The National Front chose the veteran campaigner ], a ] for them and the BNP who came last with 49 votes in ] in the 2015 general election.<ref name=candidates/> On 18 June 2016, ] announced that ], a former BNP politician, would be its candidate in the by-election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dead-murdered-labour-mp-batley-and-spen-by-election-bnp-politician-jack-buckby-a7089966.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/dead-murdered-labour-mp-batley-and-spen-by-election-bnp-politician-jack-buckby-a7089966.html |archive-date=1 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Jo Cox: Former BNP politician Jack Buckby to contest by-election for murdered MP's Batley and Spen seat|date=20 June 2016|accessdate=20 June 2016|work=The Independent}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Liberty GB registered the description "No to terrorism, yes to Britain", which appeared on the ballot paper instead of the party name.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Registrations/PP2032 |title=Liberty GB registration details|publisher= The Electoral Commission |accessdate=3 October 2016}}</ref> Neil Humphrey stood for the English Independence Party as Corbyn Anti (and so was listed as "Anti Corbyn" on the ballot paper);<ref>{{cite web|url=http://search.electoralcommission.org.uk/English/Registrations/PP4231 |title=English Independence registration details|publisher= The Electoral Commission|accessdate=3 October 2016}}</ref> this new party supported English nationalism.<ref>{{cite web|first=Tom |last=Gordon |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14709282.Party__39_s_anti_Indyref_slogan_rejected_as__quot_offensive_quot_/ |title=Party's anti-Indyref slogan rejected as "offensive" |website=The Herald|date=28 August 2016 |accessdate=3 October 2016}}</ref>


Waqas Ali Khan stood as an independent;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/06/17/lib-dems-and-ukip-will-not-contest-by-election-caused-by-jo-cox-death-5951273/ |title=Jo Cox: Lib Dems and Ukip will not contest Batley and Spen by-election &#124; Metro News |website=Metro.co.uk |date=17 June 2016 |accessdate=3 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Glover|first1=Chloe|title=UKIP member to stand as independent in Batley and Spen by-election|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/ukip-member-stand-independent-batley-11707936|accessdate=6 August 2016|work=Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=5 August 2016}}</ref> he was the UKIP candidate for ] at the 2015 general election, coming third of six candidates.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shipley|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/politics/constituencies/E14000925|accessdate=22 October 2016|publisher=BBC News}}</ref> Garry Kitchin previously stood for the Green Party in local elections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=51&RPID=502138967|title=Election results for Batley West|website=Kirklees Council|access-date=5 October 2016}}</ref> He was the only candidate registered to an address in the constituency.<ref name=candidates>{{cite news|last1=Lavigeur|first1=Nick|title=Who are the candidates in the Batley and Spen by-election?|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/who-candidates-batley-spen-election-11952570|accessdate=22 October 2016|work=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=29 September 2016}}</ref> London-based musician Ankit Love stood for the ], which campaigns against air pollution.<ref name=candidates/> He contested several elections earlier in the year, including the London mayoral election.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Joshi|first1=Amita|title=London Mayor hopeful Ankit Love lives up to his name as musical past uncovered in romantic pop music video|url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/london-mayor-hopeful-ankit-love-11175236|accessdate=22 October 2016|publisher=Get West London|date=12 April 2016}}</ref> Waqas Ali Khan stood as an independent;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/06/17/lib-dems-and-ukip-will-not-contest-by-election-caused-by-jo-cox-death-5951273/ |title=Jo Cox: Lib Dems and Ukip will not contest Batley and Spen by-election|work=Metro|date=17 June 2016 |accessdate=3 October 2016}}<br>- {{cite news|last1=Glover|first1=Chloe|title=UKIP member to stand as independent in Batley and Spen by-election|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/ukip-member-stand-independent-batley-11707936|accessdate=6 August 2016|work=Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=5 August 2016}}</ref> he was the UKIP candidate for ] at the 2015 general election, coming third of six candidates.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shipley|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/politics/constituencies/E14000925|accessdate=22 October 2016|work=BBC News}}</ref> Garry Kitchin previously stood for the Green Party in local elections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=51&RPID=502138967|title=Election results for Batley West|publisher=Kirklees Council|access-date=5 October 2016}}</ref> He was the only candidate registered to an address in the constituency.<ref name=candidates/> A London-based musician, Ankit Love, stood for the ], which campaigns against air pollution.<ref name=candidates/> He contested several elections earlier in the year, including the London mayoral election.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Joshi|first1=Amita|title=London Mayor hopeful Ankit Love lives up to his name as musical past uncovered in romantic pop music video|url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/london-mayor-hopeful-ankit-love-11175236|accessdate=22 October 2016|website=My London|date=12 April 2016}}</ref>


==Result== ==Result==
The result was declared at 1:45 am at Cathedral House in ]. Brabin held the seat for Labour on one of the lowest turnouts for a Parliamentary by-election since the end of the Second World War. All other candidates polled less than 5% of the vote and lost their deposits. Brabin was heckled by some of the other candidates as she delivered her speech at the declaration of the result.<ref name=thde>{{cite news|last1=Gildea|first1=Samantha|title=Batley and Spen by-election: Labour's Tracy Brabin elected as new MP|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/batley-spen-election-labours-tracy-12057279|accessdate=22 October 2016|work=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=21 October 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021194612/http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/batley-spen-election-labours-tracy-12057279|archivedate=21 October 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In her speech she said "Tonight is a bittersweet occasion for me. That this by-election had to take place at all is a tragedy. Whether you voted for me, voted for other candidates or didn't vote at all, I give you my word, I will be equally strong for each and every one of you."<ref name=thde/> She thanked the parties who chose not to contest the election, and declared a victory for "unity and hope".<ref name=husband/> Cox's widower, Brendan, was pleased that the far-right candidates lost their deposits.<ref name=husband>{{cite news|title=Jo Cox's husband welcomes lost deposits of far-right candidates|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/oct/21/labour-tracy-brabin-batley-and-spen-byelection-witney-robert-court|accessdate=22 October 2016|work=The Guardian|date=21 October 2016}}</ref> The result was declared at 1:45 am at Cathedral House in ]. Brabin held the seat for Labour on one of the lowest turnouts for a parliamentary by-election since the end of the Second World War. All other candidates polled less than 5% of the vote and lost their deposits. Brabin was heckled by some of the other candidates as she delivered her speech at the declaration of the result. In her speech she said, "Tonight is a bittersweet occasion for me. That this by-election had to take place at all is a tragedy. Whether you voted for me, voted for other candidates or didn't vote at all, I give you my word, I will be equally strong for each and every one of you."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gildea|first1=Samantha|title=Batley and Spen by-election: Labour's Tracy Brabin elected as new MP|url=http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/batley-spen-election-labours-tracy-12057279|accessdate=22 October 2016|work=The Huddersfield Daily Examiner|date=21 October 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021194612/http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/batley-spen-election-labours-tracy-12057279|archivedate=21 October 2016}}</ref> She thanked the parties who chose not to contest the election and declared a victory for "unity and hope". Cox's widower, Brendan, was pleased that the far-right candidates lost their deposits.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jo Cox's husband welcomes lost deposits of far-right candidates|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/oct/21/labour-tracy-brabin-batley-and-spen-byelection-witney-robert-court|accessdate=22 October 2016|work=The Guardian|date=21 October 2016}}</ref>


{{Election box begin|title=By-election 2016: Batley and Spen<ref>Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council ""</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Election results for Batley and Spen|url=http://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=161&RPID=502428457|publisher=Kirklees Council|accessdate=22 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022030839/http://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=161&RPID=502428457|archive-date=22 October 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>}} {{Election box begin|title=By-election 2016: Batley and Spen<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council|url=http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/voting-and-elections/pdf/batley-and-spen-201016-persons-nominated.pdf|title=Statement of Persons Nominated and Notice of Poll|access-date=27 September 2016|archive-date=12 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012044041/http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/voting-and-elections/pdf/batley-and-spen-201016-persons-nominated.pdf|url-status=dead}}<br>- {{cite web|title=Election results for Batley and Spen|url=http://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=161&RPID=502428457|publisher=Kirklees Council|accessdate=22 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022030839/http://democracy.kirklees.gov.uk/mgElectionAreaResults.aspx?ID=161&RPID=502428457|archive-date=22 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
{{Election box candidate with party link| {{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = Labour Party (UK) |party = Labour Party (UK)
|candidate = ] |candidate = ]
Line 61: Line 61:
|votes = 969 |votes = 969
|percentage = 4.8 |percentage = 4.8
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link| {{Election box candidate with party link|
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|votes = 548 |votes = 548
|percentage = 2.7 |percentage = 2.7
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link| {{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Independent (politician) |party = Independent politician
|candidate = Garry Kitchin |candidate = Garry Kitchin
|votes = 517 |votes = 517
|percentage = 2.5 |percentage = 2.5
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box candidate| {{Election box candidate|
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|votes = 241 |votes = 241
|percentage = 1.2 |percentage = 1.2
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link| {{Election box candidate with party link|
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|votes = 220 |votes = 220
|percentage = 1.1 |percentage = 1.1
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box candidate| {{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Independent |party = Independent politician
|candidate = Henry Mayhew |candidate = Henry Mayhew
|votes = 153 |votes = 153
|percentage = 0.8 |percentage = 0.8
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box candidate| {{Election box candidate with party link|
|party = Independent |party = Independent politician
|candidate = Waqas Ali Khan |candidate = Waqas Ali Khan
|votes = 118 |votes = 118
|percentage = 0.6 |percentage = 0.6
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link| {{Election box candidate with party link|
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|votes = 87 |votes = 87
|percentage = 0.4 |percentage = 0.4
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link| {{Election box candidate with party link|
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|votes = 34 |votes = 34
|percentage = 0.2 |percentage = 0.2
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box majority {{Election box majority
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|votes = 20,393 |votes = 20,393
|percentage = 25.8 |percentage = 25.8
|change = -38.6 |change = –38.6
}}
{{Election box rejected
|votes=171
}} }}
{{Election box hold with party link {{Election box hold with party link
|winner = Labour Party (UK) |winner = Labour Party (UK)
|swing = ''N/A'' |swing = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box end}} {{Election box end}}
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==2015 result== ==2015 result==
{{Election box begin | {{Election box begin |
|title=]: Batley and Spen<ref name=electoralcalculus>{{cite web|title=Election Data 2015|url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2015.txt|publisher=]|accessdate=17 October 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017112223/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2015.txt|archivedate=17 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="2015 result">{{cite web |title=]: Batley and Spen<ref>{{cite web|title=Election Data 2015|url=http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2015.txt|publisher=]|accessdate=17 October 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017112223/http://www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/electdata_2015.txt|archivedate=17 October 2015}}<br>- {{cite web| title = Batley & Spen| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000548| work = BBC News| accessdate = 13 May 2015}}</ref>
| title = Batley & Spen
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000548
| publisher = BBC News
| accessdate = 13 May 2015}}</ref>
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link {{Election box winning candidate with party link
|party = Labour Party (UK) |party = Labour Party (UK)
|candidate = ] |candidate = ]
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|votes = 15,769 |votes = 15,769
|percentage = 31.2 |percentage = 31.2
|change = -1.8 |change = –1.8
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link {{Election box candidate with party link
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|votes = 9,080 |votes = 9,080
|percentage = 18.0 |percentage = 18.0
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link {{Election box candidate with party link
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|votes = 2,396 |votes = 2,396
|percentage = 4.7 |percentage = 4.7
|change = -11.1 |change = –11.1
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link {{Election box candidate with party link
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|votes = 123 |votes = 123
|percentage = 0.2 |percentage = 0.2
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box candidate| {{Election box candidate|
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|votes = 53 |votes = 53
|percentage = 0.1 |percentage = 0.1
|change = ''N/A'' |change = n/a
}} }}
{{Election box majority {{Election box majority
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==See also== ==See also==
* ], another by-election for the constituency
* ], another by-election which was held under similar circumstances
* ] * ]


== References == == References ==
{{reflist|30em}} {{reflist|30em}}



{{By-elections to the 56th UK Parliament}} {{By-elections to the 56th UK Parliament}}

Latest revision as of 11:04, 15 July 2024

UK parliament by-election

2016 Batley and Spen by-election
← 2015 20 October 2016 2017 →
Batley and Spen constituency
Turnout25.8%
  First party
 
Candidate Tracy Brabin
Party Labour
Popular vote 17,506
Percentage 85.8%
Swing Increase42.6%
MP before election

Jo Cox
Labour

Elected MP

Tracy Brabin
Labour

On 20 October 2016, a by-election was held in the UK parliamentary constituency of Batley and Spen. It was triggered by the murder of the incumbent member of parliament (MP), Jo Cox, on 16 June 2016. The Labour candidate, Tracy Brabin, won with 85.8% of the vote. Four parties with parliamentary representation did not enter candidates, out of respect for Cox. Nine candidates contested against Labour, and none reached the 5% threshold to keep their deposit.

The by-election was scheduled to coincide with the Witney by-election. They were the fifth and sixth by-elections of the 56th UK Parliament.

Candidates

The Conservative Party, the Liberal Democrats, UKIP and the Green Party all declined to contest the election, as a mark of respect. Brendan Cox, Jo Cox's widower, also ruled out standing for the seat.

Labour began selecting a candidate on 14 September. The Batley-born actress Tracy Brabin and the Keighley-based campaigner, Jane Thomas, were shortlisted for selection on 19 September. Brabin won the selection on 23 September. She had campaigned for Cox at the 2015 election, and had been told by her that "you should be an MP".

On 18 July, the English Democrats announced that its deputy chairman, Therese Hirst, a former leader of Veritas, would be its candidate. Hirst (as Therese Muchewicz) stood in Bradford West at the 2015 general election, but came last with 98 votes (0.2%). She was again its candidate for West Yorkshire in the 2016 Police and Crime Commissioner elections, where she again had the least support, with 20,656 votes (3.9%). She had previously stood for Veritas in Bradford South in 2005.

The British National Party (BNP) chose David Furness, who had earlier that year received 0.5% of votes in the London mayoral election. The National Front chose the veteran campaigner Richard Edmonds, a perennial candidate for them and the BNP who came last with 49 votes in Carshalton and Wallington in the 2015 general election. On 18 June 2016, Liberty GB announced that Jack Buckby, a former BNP politician, would be its candidate in the by-election. Liberty GB registered the description "No to terrorism, yes to Britain", which appeared on the ballot paper instead of the party name. Neil Humphrey stood for the English Independence Party as Corbyn Anti (and so was listed as "Anti Corbyn" on the ballot paper); this new party supported English nationalism.

Waqas Ali Khan stood as an independent; he was the UKIP candidate for Shipley at the 2015 general election, coming third of six candidates. Garry Kitchin previously stood for the Green Party in local elections. He was the only candidate registered to an address in the constituency. A London-based musician, Ankit Love, stood for the One Love Party, which campaigns against air pollution. He contested several elections earlier in the year, including the London mayoral election.

Result

The result was declared at 1:45 am at Cathedral House in Huddersfield. Brabin held the seat for Labour on one of the lowest turnouts for a parliamentary by-election since the end of the Second World War. All other candidates polled less than 5% of the vote and lost their deposits. Brabin was heckled by some of the other candidates as she delivered her speech at the declaration of the result. In her speech she said, "Tonight is a bittersweet occasion for me. That this by-election had to take place at all is a tragedy. Whether you voted for me, voted for other candidates or didn't vote at all, I give you my word, I will be equally strong for each and every one of you." She thanked the parties who chose not to contest the election and declared a victory for "unity and hope". Cox's widower, Brendan, was pleased that the far-right candidates lost their deposits.

By-election 2016: Batley and Spen
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Labour Tracy Brabin 17,506 85.8 +42.6
English Democrat Therese Hirst 969 4.8 n/a
BNP David Furness 548 2.7 n/a
Independent Garry Kitchin 517 2.5 n/a
English Independence Corbyn Anti 241 1.2 n/a
Liberty GB Jack Buckby 220 1.1 n/a
Independent Henry Mayhew 153 0.8 n/a
Independent Waqas Ali Khan 118 0.6 n/a
National Front Richard Edmonds 87 0.4 n/a
One Love Ankit Love 34 0.2 n/a
Majority 16,537 81.0 +69.0
Turnout 20,393 25.8 –38.6
Rejected ballots 171
Labour hold Swing n/a

2015 result

General election 2015: Batley and Spen
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Labour Jo Cox 21,826 43.2 +1.7
Conservative Imtiaz Ameen 15,769 31.2 –1.8
UKIP Aleks Lukic 9,080 18.0 n/a
Liberal Democrats John Lawson 2,396 4.7 –11.1
Green Ian Bullock 1,232 2.4 +1.3
TUSC Dawn Wheelhouse 123 0.2 n/a
Patriotic Socialist Karl Varley 53 0.1 n/a
Majority 6,057 12.0
Turnout 50,479 64.4
Labour hold Swing +1.7

See also

References

  1. "Labour MP Jo Cox dies after being shot and stabbed as husband urges people to 'fight against the hate' that killed her". The Daily Telegraph. 16 June 2016. Retrieved 16 June 2016.
  2. "Batley by-election to be on 20 October". BBC News. 15 September 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
  3. Stone, Jon (17 June 2016). "Jo Cox death: Parties stand down in killed Labour MP's seat as Corbyn and Cameron call for unity". The Independent. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2016.
  4. Proctor, Kate (17 June 2016). "Major parties will not contest Jo Cox's seat". The Yorkshire Post. Archived from the original on 18 June 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  5. Withnall, Adam (21 June 2016). "Jo Cox 'died for her political views', says husband Brendan Cox in first interview". The Independent. Independent Print Limited. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  6. "Jo Cox death: Labour opens Batley & Spen by-election selection". BBC News. BBC. 14 September 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  7. "Jane Thomas, Labour, Keighley". The Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  8. Halliday, Josh (19 September 2016). "Former actor Tracy Brabin is frontrunner to win Jo Cox's seat". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
  9. "Soap star Tracy Brabin to stand in Jo Cox by-election". BBC News. BBC. 23 September 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
  10. Perraudin, Frances (30 September 2016). "Tracy Brabin: 'I hope I can build on Jo Cox's legacy'". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  11. "English Democrats put up candidate to fight for Jo Cox's seat". Batley and Birstall News. 19 July 2016. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  12. Booth, Phil (18 July 2016). "English Democrats to contest by-election for Jo Cox's Batley & Spen seat with "pro-leave" candidate". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  13. ^ Lavigeur, Nick (29 September 2016). "Who are the candidates in the Batley and Spen by-election?". The Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  14. "Jo Cox: Former BNP politician Jack Buckby to contest by-election for murdered MP's Batley and Spen seat". The Independent. 20 June 2016. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  15. "Liberty GB registration details". The Electoral Commission. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  16. "English Independence registration details". The Electoral Commission. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  17. Gordon, Tom (28 August 2016). "Party's anti-Indyref slogan rejected as "offensive"". The Herald. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  18. "Jo Cox: Lib Dems and Ukip will not contest Batley and Spen by-election". Metro. 17 June 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
    - Glover, Chloe (5 August 2016). "UKIP member to stand as independent in Batley and Spen by-election". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  19. "Shipley". BBC News. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  20. "Election results for Batley West". Kirklees Council. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  21. Joshi, Amita (12 April 2016). "London Mayor hopeful Ankit Love lives up to his name as musical past uncovered in romantic pop music video". My London. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  22. Gildea, Samantha (21 October 2016). "Batley and Spen by-election: Labour's Tracy Brabin elected as new MP". The Huddersfield Daily Examiner. Archived from the original on 21 October 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  23. "Jo Cox's husband welcomes lost deposits of far-right candidates". The Guardian. 21 October 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  24. "Statement of Persons Nominated and Notice of Poll" (PDF). Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 October 2016. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
    - "Election results for Batley and Spen". Kirklees Council. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  25. "Election Data 2015". Electoral Calculus. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
    - "Batley & Spen". BBC News. Retrieved 13 May 2015.


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