Conservative Party will not contest Jo Cox’s Batley and Spen seat at by-election
Both the Conservative Party and Ukip have announced they will not put forward candidates in the Batley and Spen by-election following the tragic death of Labour MP Jo Cox.
Cox, who was elected to parliament for the first time only last year, was shot and stabbed outside a constituency surgery yesterday afternoon. The political world was united in grief, with tributes to the former human rights campaigner coming from across the political spectrum, referendum campaigning suspended and David Cameron and Jeremy Corbyn speaking together to pay tribute to the Labour politician.
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
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) June 16, 2016
Following calls from party chairman, Grant Shapps, to leave the by-election uncontested, the Conservatives issued a statement this afternoon confirming they will not put forward a candidate when the election is scheduled.
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The statement said: "Following the tragic killing of Labour MP Jo Cox, the Conservative Party has decided not to contest the forthcoming by-election as a mark of respect to a much-loved and respected politician."
The houseboat Jo Cox lived on has been covered in flowers in a touching tribute https://t.co/TDPNQ7W7Q3 pic.twitter.com/y90oZOLyxJ
— LBC (@LBC) June 17, 2016
Corbyn also confirmed that parliament will be recalled on Monday so that MPs can pay tribute to their former colleague.