The Yorkshire Party, which came third in the West Yorkshire mayoral contest, has confirmed its candidate in the by-election will be Corey Robinson, who is a senior medical research engineer. Thankfully the Eurosceptic GBP were not impressed by this emotional blackmail and voted accordingly. Tracy Brabin's election as the West Yorkshire mayor means there will be a by-election in her Batley and Spen parliamentary seat, because the role of West Yorkshire mayor, which comprises mayor and police and crime commissioner, cannot be lawfully "double-jobbed" with the functions of an MP. Quick and essential guide to domestic and global politics from the New Statesman's politics team. Labour is coming home, the party leader told cheering activists in the West Yorkshire constituency, standing next to Kim Leadbeater, who won the seat over the Conservatives by just 323 votes. LONDON Britains opposition Labour Party on Friday scored an unexpected if narrow victory in a battle for an open Parliament seat that was widely seen as a critical test for the partys leader, Keir Starmer, who has been under pressure for failing to revive the partys fortunes. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Sir Kier said: "Kim ran a positive campaign of hope, in the face of division. Stephen Bush is the former political editor of theNew Statesman. Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Father tells how gunman opened fire on Texas home, Trump says 'great to be home' on visit to Scotland, NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Banana artwork in Seoul museum eaten by visitor, Trevelyan relative 'would consider' famine payment. I remember pro Remain parties using Jo Coxs death to try and gain sympathy votes in the upcoming EU referendum out of respect for her woke political views. And they were wrong about that.. Stop with this. Conservative candidate Ryan Stephenson came second with 12,973, with former Labour and Respect MP George Galloway third with 8,264. The seat was held by Labour with their candidate Kim Leadbeater being returned to Parliament. Merkel has expressed grave concern at the numbers of fans being admitted to the Euro 2020 matches at Wembley. It's a by-election like no other - one of the candidates is the sister of the murdered Labour MP Jo Cox. If Labour can do the same again, and I see no reason why it should not, it ought to be able to hold Batley and Spen fairly comfortably. By-election spotlights what's at stake for parties, Five teenage boys from Wakefield disappear as police issue appeal amid fears they boarded train to London, New pizza shop to celebrate opening by offering first 100 customers free pizza, Celebrating the King's Coronation in Dewsbury, Batley and Spen, 'Brave' member of public helps stop suspected meat theft from Bradford supermarket, Why former head of BBC Yorkshire has written his debut novel about euthanasia, Choir is on song after successful charity concert at Silsden, Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine, Explosion derails train in Russian border region, JP Morgan snaps up troubled US bank First Republic. She said she believes that pragmatic solutions can be found on the issue of the Northern Ireland protocol so that both the integrity of the single market is maintained and acceptable solutions are created. Officially, it's been a short and swift. [35] Fransen had previously stood as a candidate for the seat of Rochester and Strood in Kent, the London Assembly in 2016, and the Scottish Parliament in 2021. Maybe ask the mods to change it to a thread about all Westminster by elections as there are a couple coming up and another possible fairly soon. But I am very much concerned whether it is not a bit too much. Speaking outside the count, Mr Galloway said he would apply to have the result set aside by the courts, citing a "false statement" made about him during the campaign. A weekly newsletter helping you fit together the pieces of the global economic slowdown. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Kim Leadbeater, the Labour candidate, in Huddersfield on Friday after winning the Batley and Spen election. He's been campaigning in traditional Labour territory and is said to be winning support from some Muslim voters because of his pro-Palestine stance. [38], Labour leader Keir Starmer visited the constituency during the campaign on 10 June,[40] and Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the Fox's Biscuits factory in the constituency on 18 June. its quite liberating. Another was George Galloway, who took votes from traditional Labour voters in Batley and Spen's sizeable Asian community. Tracy Brabin quit as Labour MP for Batley and Spen after winning the West Yorkshire mayoral contest, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. "Britain first" were the words used by the murderer of Cox, although the organisation denied any connection to themselves. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 07.02.2021 United Kingdom Party Politics Religion The Batley and Spen By-Election Showed Britain's Political Class Holds Muslims In Contempt By Daniel Finn The German chancellor said she raised the issue with Boris Johnson during their talks at Chequers. Starmer says byelection win shows 'Labour at its best' and is 'just the start', Tory party co-chair suggests Matt Hancock's conduct helped Labour hold Batley and Spen, Galloway says he will take court action to challenge byelection result, Batley and Spen byelection results in full, Starmer welcomes fantastic victory for Labours positive campaign of hope, Starmer hails Labour revival after Kim Leadbeater wins Batley and Spen, Kim Leadbeater: political novice who will not toe the line in Westminster, Britons with Indian-made AstraZeneca vaccine face extra EU travel hurdle, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. Explosion derails train in Russian border region, Banana artwork in Seoul museum eaten by visitor, Trump says 'great to be home' on visit to Scotland, NFL player's daughter, aged two, drowns in pool, Father tells how gunman opened fire on Texas home, Trevelyan relative 'would consider' famine payment, JP Morgan snaps up troubled US bank First Republic. The Christian Peoples Alliance (CPA) confirmed the nomination of Paul Bickerdike on 3 June. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. [1][2] Under the devolution agreement, the position holds the powers and responsibilities of a police and crime commissioner, meaning the occupant of the office cannot simultaneously sit as an MP. We in Germany, as you know, have less people attend games in the Munich stadium but the British Government will obviously take its own decision. 2023 BBC. The by-election was triggered in May when the areas former Labour lawmaker, Tracy Brabin, was elected to another job as West Yorkshire mayor, requiring her to step down from Parliament. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk. [28] Paul Halloran, a locally well-known Brexit supporter who won over 6,000 votes for the Heavy Woollen District Independents at the previous election, also chose not to stand again, a decision which was expected to favour the Conservative candidate. Expect a lot of journalists to be googling Batley this morning. Batley and Spen byelection results in full 1 Jul 2021 Starmer welcomes 'fantastic' victory for Labour's 'positive campaign of hope' Speaking to activists and the media in the constituency,. Anyone can read what you share. Labour currently holds this seat with a majority of just 3,525. Unfortunately the dregs of politics, who by and large shared the same views as the terrorist who murdered her, decided to use her death for some free publicity and stand in it. [6] The seat's largest town, Batley, has a sizeable number of residents with South Asian backgrounds: Pakistani (9.2%) and Indian (15.9%) (mostly Gujarati), according to the 2001 census. The Batley and Spen by election has seen a mammoth 16 candidates battling for votes. The Batley and Spen by election has seen a mammoth 16 candidates battling for votes. I've taken to ignoring posts that throw in the WOKE phrase. Sign up to receive information regarding NS events, subscription offers & product updates. [55], On 26 June, Kim Leadbeater was heckled and chased by a group of men while campaigning, after being questioned about her support for LGBT rights and her party's position on Kashmir. Read about our approach to external linking. A Labour spokesman said the leaflet emphasised not voting for the Labour candidate "would lead to a Tory MP who would support a Prime Minister who insults Muslim women and calls it a joke, refuses to deal with Islamophobia in his party and fails to speak out on human rights abuses in Kashmir". The local elections showed a close fight between the Conservatives and Labour, superficially putting the contest on a knife-edge. This website uses the TMDb API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDb. We think that in a foreseeable future those who have received double jabs will then according to our classification be able to travel again without going into quarantine. Since he took the job of leader last year, Mr. Starmer, a former top prosecutor, has tried to unite the party after it was routed in 2019 parliamentary elections under the stewardship of Jeremy Corbyn, its left-wing leader at the time. It looks as though it will attract the dregs of political life with George Galloway and Jayden. I say this with grave concern. Trying to weaponize her death as being a woke plot to gain sympathy for the referendum in 2016 is hitting the bottom of the barrel of whataboutery. The candidate herself recently stated " I have never really seen myself as a political animal". The New Statesmans weekly environment email on the politics, business and culture of the climate and nature crises - in your inbox every Thursday. Did this woman die because her genitals were cut? The Conservative Party's candidate came second. They're saying it shows some of the questions being asked of him over the last few weeks have been a bit over-hyped, and that he can win. Labour activists campaigning ahead of the Batley and Spen by-election have been pelted with eggs and kicked in the head, the region's mayor has said. Politics 24 June 2021 Will Labour lose the Batley and Spen by-election? An ethnically diverse seat, about 20% of the population is from an Asian background, with just under 19% being Muslim. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. 2021 Batley and Spen by-election - Wikipedia, Kim Leadbeater on running for her sister Jo Coxs seat: I know this is what she would want me to be doing, The notable big name MPs who lost their seats or quit after the 2015 UK general election. Jo Cox's widower Brendan Cox said Ms Leadbeater had been "incredibly brave" to put herself forward, and he was "incredibly proud" of her. Sixteen candidates in total ran in contest. Im sure, as Angela says, with goodwill and with patience we can sort it out. [57] During an interview following the incident, Leadbeater accused Galloway of laughing at the situation from across the street. Ms Brabin held Batley and Spen for Labour with a reduced majority in the general election of 2019 - down to 3,525 from 8,961 in 2017. Who won the Batley and Spen by-election? [29], On 28 May, the Liberal Democrats announced they would stand community campaigner Jo Conchie as their candidate. It's a by-election like no other - one of the candidates is the sister of the murdered Labour MP Jo Cox . Labour narrowly held on to Batley and Spen as Kim Leadbeater took 13,296 votes, against 12,973 for the Tory candidate. The fact that hasn't happened means his supporters are in a pretty good mood this morning. Results announced early Friday gave the Labour candidate, Kim Leadbeater, a win of just 323 votes over her Conservative Party rival, Ryan Stephenson, after an acrimonious contest in Batley and Spen, one of Labours traditional heartland seats in northern England. Batley and Spen: Labour narrowly hold seat in by-election 2 July 2021 Batley and Spen by-election Kim Leadbeater: ''If I can be half the MP that Jo was, I know that I'll do her proud''. [60][61] In response, Labour MP Navendu Mishra accused his own party of having a "hierarchy of racism", with "some groups seen as fair game for attacks based on religion/race/heritage". "It was a very bruising and pretty horrible campaign at times," he added. Is climate change killing Australian wine? [41] Both had made earlier visits as well. It had been tipped for July 22nd but will actually be held on July 1st. Nobody tried to gain sympathy. Turnout was 47.6%, with some 37,786 verified ballots cast out of a total electorate of 79,373, Kirklees Council said. I see no reason at all why those MHRA approved vaccines should not be recognised as part of the vaccine passports, I am confident that will not prove to be a problem. Yorkshire breaking news and updates sent straight to your inbox. She was competing not only against the Conservative candidate, Mr. Stephenson, but also against Mr. Galloway, a former lawmaker and veteran left-wing campaigner who sought to divert support from Labour. Gordon stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford at the 2019 general election. Although Labour held off the challenge from Mr. Galloway, its share of the vote in Batley and Spen was lower than in the 2019 general election. It is, now that Britain has left the European Union, a good opportunity to open a new chapter in our relationship, she told a joint press conference. Ms. Leadbeater acknowledged that it had been a grueling few weeks but added, I am absolutely delighted that the people of Batley and Spen have rejected division and they voted for hope.. "[71] He went on to say, "Keir Starmer won his position as leader on a promise to be electable. [33] The Greens then confirmed they would not stand in the by-election.[34]. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Historically this community were strong supporters of the Labour Party, but there has been discontent at the waiving of Labour party rules to allow Leadbeater to be the only local candidate in the selection process, excluding local councillors from the community. But the victory narrow as it was will be especially welcome news for the party leaders, because the contest could have been avoided. ", "Batley and Spen by-election set for July 1", "Batley and Spen by-election to be held on 1 July", "Former Bradford West MP George Galloway announces that his party will stand in Batley and Spen by-election", "Ex-Labour MP George Galloway joins Batley and Spen byelection race", "Jo Cox's sister considering standing for Labour in Batley and Spen", "Jo Cox: Murdered MP's sister plans to stand in Batley and Spen", "Jo Cox's sister selected as Labour candidate for Batley and Spen byelection", "Labour candidate for Batley by-election has only just joined the party", "Batley and Spen by-election: are Muslim voters the next brick to crumble in Labour's red wall? The Conservative candidate Ryan Stephenson came second with 12,973 and George Galloway, standing for the Workers Party, third with 8,264. [24] Leadbeater had only recently rejoined the Labour Party,[25] with the Batley and Spen CLP waiving the requirement of a year's membership prior to her selection. Ms. Leadbeaters narrow path to victory was a complicated one. Sir Keir Starmer will breathe a big sigh of relief, because he would have been in real trouble with another by-election loss. Johnson has said sporting events are being opened up in a very careful and controlled manner after Merkel expressed concern about the numbers attending Euro 2020 matches at Wembley. Before the result in Batley and Spen, there had been news media speculation that Mr. Starmer would be vulnerable to a leadership challenge if Ms. Leadbeater lost, as many were expecting. Support 110 years of independent journalism. Conservative Party co-chair Amanda Milling said it had been a "disappointing result" for her party. The campaign in West Yorkshire was marred by acrimony, personal abuse and allegations of dirty tricks. Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds, resignation of Health Secretary Matt Hancock, "Is Batley and Spen Labour's next by-election headache? 24 June 2021. However, the national narrative will be about how the result reflects on the direction and popularity of both the Labour and Conservative parties. By Anoosh Chakelian (Photo By Christopher Furlong/Getty) Polls open in Batley and Spen by-election Leeds & West Yorkshire 1 Jul 2021 By-election spotlights what's at stake for parties UK Politics 30 Jun 2021 By-election campaigners 'egged. Mon 28 Jun 2021 15.45 EDT Last modified on Tue 7 Mar 2023 04.11 EST "T his is the worst election I have ever seen in my life . Many expect a stronger stance from the Labour leadership on these issues and rightly so. Many had expected that the Conservatives would take the seat, which Labour has held since 1997, because of the spoiler campaign of George Galloway. Speaking to activists and the media in the constituency, Starmer condemned the abuse Leadbeater had faced during the campaign, saying others had poisoned it with hatred, division, disinformation, lies, harassment, threats and intimidation. Labour picking a candidate who is the sister of the ex MP killed and has been a member of the party for a month is a blatant attempt to exploit that tragic event. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. 2023 BBC. In the 2016 EU referendum, Batley and Spen voted 60% in favour of Brexit.[8]. As George Galloway targets Muslim voters and the anti-woke brigade come to town, the Conservatives are hoping for a historic postwar win in the West Yorkshire marginal constituency. Labour's Kim Leadbeater has narrowly won the Batley and Spen by-election following a bitter campaign. ", "Conservatives choose Leeds councillor Ryan Stephenson as candidate for Batley and Spen by-election", "Reform UK has announced it will not stand a candidate in the Batley and Spen by-election", "Yorkshire Party reveals Batley and Spen by election candidate", "Batley and Spen by-election: Liberal Democrats announce candidate", "Wakefield councillor becomes new Lib Dem candidate for Batley and Spen by-election", "Batley and Spen by-election: Green Party select rugby player", "Green Party to replace Batley and Spen by-election candidate", "Greens drop Batley & Spen by-election candidate over homophobic tweets", "Penge 'Britain First' activist contesting by-election in Jo Cox's constituency", "Batley and Spen by-election candidates confirmed", "Plans given green light to transform Batley police station into new apartments", "Batley and Spen by-election: Labour leader Keir Starmer visits", "Batley and Spen by-election: PM Boris Johnson pledges to 'level up', "Boris Johnson meets West Yorkshire faith leaders in Batley to promote uptake of Covid-19 jab", "Wannabe Labour leader Keir Starmer got raucous reception in Batley this is what he said", "12 pictures of Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he visits Birstall", "Will Kim Leadbeater's campaign allow Labour to hold onto Batley and Spen? George Galloway, who stood under the banner of his Workers Party of Britain with the explicit aim of splitting the Labour vote and destabilising Starmers leadership, came third with 8,264 votes. Listen to our politics podcast: Calling Peston. [54][53] On the same day the Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines, issued a statement distancing the United Benefice of Batley from the candidacy of Jayda Fransen, after campaign literature was distributed showing Fransen holding a white cross outside of St Thomass church. A poll ahead of the vote by Survation put the Conservatives on 47 per cent of the vote, with Labour on 41. Russia launches missile attacks on Ukraine, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Air strikes pound Sudan capital as truce extended. With Brabin winning the vote to become mayor it meant she had to stand down as an MP in Westminster. Labour has held the seat of Batley and Spen since 1997, so a victory might well sound like it was expected. Brabin had held the seat since the 2016 Batley and Spen by-election, which was called after the murder of Jo Cox, the seat's incumbent MP. A by-election was held in the UK parliamentary constituency of Batley and Spen on 1 July 2021, following the resignation of the previous Member of Parliament (MP) Tracy Brabin, who was elected Mayor of West Yorkshire on 10 May. Sir Keir, who welcomed it as a "fantastic result", will head to the seat on Friday to congratulate his party's victorious candidate. It had been reported he may have faced a challenge from his deputy Angela Rayner if the party lost another northern English constituency to the Tories. Votes will then be counted overnight, and the result is expected in the early hours of Friday morning. With a majority of just 3,500 the vote is seen as a key test for Keir Starmer's leadership - as well as a sign of whether the Conservative Party can consolidate its previous gains in so-called Red Wall seats. However, one of the few things perhaps the only thing that the Labour campaign in Hartlepool can say it did right is squeeze the other parties of the centre and left down to their core votes. Most analysts believed that Mr. Starmer would have been safe regardless of the result, because there is no credible alternative waiting in the wings. Her election as MP for Batley and Spen on Friday morning followed one of the most divisive byelection campaigns for decades. Turnout was 47.6%, with 37,786 verified ballots cast out of a total electorate of 79,373. bryan hartnell is the zodiac,