Soap star Tracy Brabin to stand in Jo Cox by-election

Tracy Brabin was selected as the Labour candidate at a hustings event earlier

Former soap-actress Tracy Brabin has been selected as Labour's candidate for the Batley and Spen by-election prompted by the killing of Jo Cox.

The Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale star was chosen as the party's candidate ahead of fellow nominee Jane Thomas.

Mrs Cox, who was Labour MP for Batley and Spen, was shot and stabbed in Birstall, West Yorkshire, on 16 June.

The by-election will take place on 20 October.

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

Labour MP Jo Cox was killed in an attack in her West Yorkshire constituency

Ms Brabin, who was selected at a hustings event on Friday, said she was "humbled and privileged" to have the chance to succeed Mrs Cox.

"Jo was my inspiration. I intend to do her proud," she said.

"Obviously no-one wanted this, but I'm the only person on the ballot paper that can stand up for everyone in Batley and Spen.

"I'm hoping people will put party politics to one side and we can work together."

Brendan Cox met US President Barack Obama on the day Labour selected its candidate for the Batley and Spen by-election

Meanwhile, the husband of Mrs Cox has had a meeting with US President Barack Obama at the White House in Washington DC.

Brendan Cox, who took his two children, wrote on Twitter that he and the president had "talked about Jo" and "fighting extremism".

He praised President Obama as being "excellent with the kids", adding that "the kids gave him their best drawings".

Following the announcement of the selection of Ms Brabin, Yorks&Humber Labour ‏tweeted: "Many congratulations to @Tracy4MP who has been selected as Labour's candidate for Batley and Spen. She'll be a strong voice for everyone."

Her rival Ms Thomas stood for Parliament as a Labour candidate at the 2010 general election, but came second to the Conservatives in Keighley, West Yorkshire.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and UKIP have all said they will not be fielding a candidate in the by-election, as a mark of respect.

But a ballot is expected as the English Democrats have said their deputy chairman, Therese Hirst, will be standing while Jack Buckby will stand for Liberty GB.

Jo Cox's majority in Batley and Spen at the 2015 general election was 6,057. The Conservatives took second place and UKIP came third.