2016 Batley and Spen by-election

The Conservative Party, followed by the Liberal Democrats, UKIP and the Greens, stated that, as a mark of respect, they would not contest the by-election.[3][4] Brendan Cox, Jo Cox's widower, also ruled out standing for the seat.[5]

Labour began the process of selecting a candidate on 14 September.[6] Batley-born actress Tracy Brabin, and Keighley-based[7] campaigner Jane Thomas were shortlisted for selection on 19 September.[8] Brabin won the selection on 23 September.[9] Brabin had campaigned for Cox at the 2015 election, and had been told by her that "you should be an MP".[10]

On 18 July, the English Democrats announced that their deputy chairman Therese Hirst, a former leader of Veritas, would be their candidate.[11] Hirst (as Therese Muchewicz) stood for Bradford West at the 2015 general election, but came last with 98 votes (0.2%). She was again their candidate for West Yorkshire in the 2016 Police and Crime Commissioner elections, where she again had the least support, with 20,656 votes (3.9%). She had previously stood for Veritas in Bradford South in 2005.[12]

The British National Party (BNP) chose David Furness, who had earlier that year received 0.5% of votes in the London mayoral election.[13] The National Front chose veteran campaigner Richard Edmonds, a perennial candidate for them and the BNP who came last with 49 votes in Carshalton and Wallington in the 2015 general election.[13] On 18 June 2016, Liberty GB announced that Jack Buckby, a former BNP politician, would be its candidate in the by-election.[14] Liberty GB registered the description 'No to terrorism, yes to Britain,' which appeared on the ballot paper instead of the party name.[15] Neil Humphrey stood for the English Independence party as Corbyn Anti (and so was listed as 'Anti Corbyn' on the ballot paper);[16] this new party supports English nationalism.[17]

Waqas Ali Khan stood as an independent;[18][19] he was the UKIP candidate for Shipley at the 2015 general election, coming third of six candidates.[20] Garry Kitchin previously stood for the Green Party in local elections.[21] He was the only candidate registered to an address in the constituency.[13] London-based musician Ankit Love stood for the One Love Party, which campaigns against air pollution.[13] He contested several elections earlier in the year, including the London mayoral election.[22]

The result was declared at 1:45 am at Cathedral House in Huddersfield. Brabin held the seat for Labour on one of the lowest turnouts for a Parliamentary by-election since the end of the Second World War. All other candidates polled less than 5% of the vote and lost their deposits. Brabin was heckled by some of the other candidates as she delivered her speech at the declaration of the result.[23] In her speech she said "Tonight is a bittersweet occasion for me. That this by-election had to take place at all is a tragedy. Whether you voted for me, voted for other candidates or didn't vote at all, I give you my word, I will be equally strong for each and every one of you."[23] She thanked the parties who chose not to contest the election, and declared a victory for "unity and hope".[24] Cox's widower, Brendan, was pleased that the far-right candidates lost their deposits.[24]

• List of United Kingdom by-elections (2010–present)