Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Batley and Spen by-election date to replace Jo Cox set for October 20

The major parties are not contesting the election

Jon Stone
Wednesday 14 September 2016 14:02 BST
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

The by-election to replace killed Labour MP Jo Cox is expected to take place on 20 October.

The Conservatives, Ukip, and the Liberal Democrats have said they will not stand a candidate at the Batley and Spen by-election as a mark of respect for the former MP.

Labour has opened the selection its candidate; the deadline for applications is on Friday 16 September.

A hustings event to choose between the party’s applicants will take place on 23 September.

Right-wing groups, Liberty GB and the English Democrats, have both said they will contest Ms Cox’s former seat despite the major parties standing down.

Labour is widely expected to win the seat, which it has held since 1997.

Ms Cox was shot and stabbed by an attacker in Birstall, West Yorkshire on 16 June, during the European Union referendum campaign.

Thomas Mair, 52, was charged with murder in relation to the MP’s death and is set to go on trial in November of this year.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in