Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The by-election to replace slain MP Jo Cox should not be contested by other parties, a former chair of the Conservative party has said.
Ms Cox was killed yesterday in a shooting and stabbing incident outside a constituency surgery in the West Yorkshire town of Birstall.
Under parliamentary rules, her death will trigger a one-off by-election to fill her now vacant parliamentary seat of Batley and Spen.
That election would normally give other parties a chance of wresting control of the seat from Labour.
Grant Shapps on Friday however suggested that Ms Cox’s replacement should be elected unopposed as a mark of tribute to her public service.
“I hope that in the sad by-election to follow, Jo Cox's constituency is left uncontested as a tribute to Jo's extraordinary public service,” he said in a tweet.
The date of any by election will not be set until Labour moves the writ to schedule it in the House of Commons.
Such a by-election would be schedule for well after the European Union referendum, which is due on 23 June.
Parties cannot all be compelled to stand down at the by-election, but they can individually voluntarily choose not to contest the seat.
The move to stand down would be unusual as the seats of MPs who die of natural causes have tended to be contested in recent years.
The Oldham West and Royton by election for instance took place in December last year in response to the natural death of Labour MP Michael Meacher.
A vigil was held in Parliament Square last night to commemorate Ms Cox’s life. Another will be held on Friday evening, with thousands expected to attend.
West Yorkshire Police have arrested 52-year-old Thomas Mair in connection with the killing. They say they are not seeking any other individuals and that it was "localised" in nature.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments