Kim Leadbeater: Jo Cox's sister named as Labour's candidate in Batley and Spen

23 May 2021, 18:33 | Updated: 23 May 2021, 20:05

Kim Leadbeater, the sister of murdered Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox, has been named as Labour's candidate for the constituency's by-election.

Ms Leadbeater said she was "overwhelmed and humbled" by the support she had received following a meeting of the local constituency Labour Party.

She added: "I'm ready to hit the ground running and take Labour's campaign to local people."

READ MORE: Jo Cox: Murdered MP's sister plans to stand in Batley and Spen by-election

Her selection was welcomed by party leader Sir Keir Starmer, who said her roots in the community would make her a "fantastic champion" for the constituency.

"Batley and Spen holds an important place in the Labour Party's heart. And Kim's work to bring people together, just as her sister Jo Cox did, has inspired us all," he said.

The date of the by-election is yet to be confirmed.

The seat was previously represented by Mrs Cox until she was shot and stabbed by a far-right extremist in June 2016.

It became vacant earlier this month after the sitting MP Tracy Brabin became the first elected mayor of West Yorkshire.

Ms Brabin tweeted: "Congratulations to friend and campaigner @KimLeadbeater7 who smashed it! She'll do #batleyandspen proud!

"It's going to be tough but I know we can win for #BatleyAndSpen."

Ms Leadbeater, who established the Jo Cox Foundation in honour of her sister, previously said she had been "moved" by the number of local people urging her to run.