Candidates to contest seat of late MP Jo Cox

A by-election is expected to be held in the Batley and Spen constituency later this year, after the murder of Ms Cox on June 16.

The Conservative Party announced the day after her death that it would not contest the seat as mark of respect for the much-loved politician.

And the Liberal Democrats, UKIP and The Green Party also ruled out nominating a candidate for the forthcoming by-election.

But four candidates have put themselves forward.

Jack Buckby, 23, will contest the seat for Liberty GB, whose manifesto includes policies to control immigration and scrapping foreign aid.

He is also calling for a full independent inquiry into grooming gangs in the West Yorkshire region.

English Democrat Therese Hirst will also stand.

The part-time law lecturer, who also stood in the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner elections, said she would “continue to campaign until the democratic will of the people who voted for Brexit has been fulfilled”.

The party also wants to create an separate English Parliament.

UKIP member Waqas Ali Khan will contest the seat as an independent candidate.

Announcing his decision to stand, the 27-year-old said he wanted to “bring the communities together and play a significant contribution to the pro-leave movement, making sure the public opinion is respected and the referendum result is delivered”.

An online media release published in June also announced that Ankit Love of the One Love Party would contest the seat in memory of Ms Cox.

The Reporter Series tried to contact with Mr Love to confirm this. The release states: “Love in the spirit of Jo Cox will focus on the cause that can unite us all, air pollution.”

The procedure for the by-election is expected to begin when Parliament returns after summer recess.

A motion, known as ‘moving the writ’ will take place in the House of Commons and a by-election date will then be set.

The Labour Party has not yet put forward a candidate for the seat.