Former Coronation Street actress, Tracy Brabin, selected as Labour candidate for Jo Cox's seat

Actress almost certain to become MP as other parties choose not to field candidate

Tracy Brabin (PA)

Former Coronation Street actress Tracy Brabin has been selected as the Labour candidate for the Batley and Spen by-election.

The poll on 20 ctober follows the death of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was killed in a shocking attack in the constituency in June.

Ms Brabin, who was selected ahead of one other shortlisted candidate, is almost certain to become the next MP for Batley and Spen as the other major parties have all vowed not to field a candidate against Labour.

Ms Brabin was selected by members of the local party following a hustings event with the other shortlisted candidate, Jane Thomas, at a school in Batley, West Yorkshire.

Ms Brabin was born in Batley and worked with Mrs Cox on her campaign to save the town's library.

She played Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street in the 1990s before appearing as Roxy Drake in EastEnders, and Carole in Emmerdale.

She has also written for shows including Family Affairs, Tracy Beaker and Hollyoaks.

Mrs Cox, who was 41 and had two young children, was shot and stabbed to death on June 16.

Her killing shocked the nation and provoked an outpouring of bewilderment and soul-searching around the world.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Ukip have said they will not field a candidate in the by-election out of respect for Mrs Cox's memory.

But Labour does not expect the election to be completely uncontested, with Liberty GB and the English Democrats among those promising they will contest the seat.

If they do not, Ms Brabin would expect to automatically take the seat.

Nominations close next week.

Press Association