When Jo Cox was selected as Labour candidate for Batley and Spen , Brabin joined her campaign against the closure of libraries in the constituency . In August 2016 , Brabin said that she was considering standing in the Batley and Spen by-election , caused by Cox 's murder . On 19 September , she was shortlisted along with Labour activist Jane Thomas . Brabin was selected at a meeting on 23 September . The Conservative Party , Liberal Democrats , Green Party and UKIP did not field candidates as a mark of respect to Cox
Cox 's murder
Murder of Jo Cox
Tracy Brabin