Tooting by-election: Labour candidate Rosena Allin-Khan wins seat and pays tribute to MP Jo Cox

A&E doctor replaces London Mayor Sadiq Khan with increased majority

A&E doctor, Rosena Allin-Khan, increased the Labour majority in Tooting (PA)

Labour's Rosena Allin-Khan has won the Tooting by-election in a contest overshadowed by the killing of MP Jo Cox. A two-minute silence was observed at the count as the death of the Batley and Spen MP weighed heavily on candidates and officials.

The A&E doctor held the south London seat for Labour after recently elected Mayor of London Sadiq Khan stood down following his victory in the City Hall race in May.

Dr Allin-Khan declined to make an acceptance speech and instead paid tribute to Ms Cox, who was killed in her constituency on Thursday.

Dr Allin-Khan increased Labour's majority to 6,357 over the Conservatives, up from the 2,842 secured by her predecessor in the general election last year.

In a sombre statement following her victory at Wandsworth Town Hall she referred to the “horrific events of yesterday and the shocking death of Jo Cox”.

She added: “My thoughts and prayers are with Jo's husband and her children. She was a proud and passionate campaigner who will be desperately missed.

“Jo's death reminds us that our democracy is precious but fragile. We must never forget to cherish it.

“Thousands of people voted today and we are all here in recognition of our democratic values.”

Turnout in the by-election was 42.5 per cent, Wandsworth Council said.

PA