Batley and Spen by-election set for July 1st

Gvs of people in Batley
People of Batley will return to the ballot box on July 1st Credit: PA

The by-election for the Batley and Spen MP is to be held on July 1st.

It was triggered after Tracy Brabin had to quit Westminster following her election as the first Mayor of West Yorkshire.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin Credit: PA

The writ for the by-election was moved in the Commons by Labour today (May 27th) with the party saying polling day will take place on July 1st

Kim Leadbeater, the sister of murdered MP Jo Cox is hoping to retain the seat for Labour.

Labour candidate Kim Leadbeater Credit: Labour Party

Keir Starmer's party will be desperate to avoid losing another northern seat. The party lost Hartlepool in a by-election on May 6 as another brick in the "red wall" of northern seats crumbled - with the Tory Candidate for Batley and Spen, Ryan Stephenson, hoping for a repeat performance.

Conservation candidate Ryan Stephenson Credit: Conservative Party

The Yorkshire Party candidate is medical research engineer Cory Robinson.

Yorkshire Party candidate Corey Robinson Credit: Yorkshire Party

The former MP for Bradford West George Galloway has also announced that he will be standing in the election on behalf of his own party: The Workers Party of Britain.

George Galloway is standing for the Workers Party of Britain. Credit: PA

The Liberal Democrat candidate for the election is Tom Gordon, he is currently a councillor in Wakefield and replaced the original candidate Jo Conchie after she withdrew from the race for health reasons.

Tom Gordon is representing the Liberal Democrats. Credit: Liberal Democrats

The Green Party announced that international Rugby League player Ross Peltier would represent them at the election - Mr Peltier plays for the Doncaster Dons and has represented Jamaica on nine occasions.

Ross Peltier is standing for the Green Party.