Jo Cox’s husband celebrates as all the far-right ‘purveyors of hate’ in the Batley and Spen by-election lost their deposits in dismal ballot box showing
THE HUSBAND of former MP Jo Cox has celebrated that all the far-right candidates who stood in the by-election triggered by his wife’s killing did so badly they lost their deposits.
Widower Brendan Cox tweeted that he was glad to see the “purveyors of hate” get demolished in yesterday’s vote, in what was described as a victory for “hope and unity”.
It comes after ex-Coronation Street actress Tracey Brabin, who retained the Batley and Spen seat for Labour, was heckled during her acceptance speech.
She won 86% of the votes although the turnout was just 25% - one of the lowest for a by-election since the Second World War.
The 55-year-old had always been expected to win after the other major parties refused to run candidates against her as a mark of respect for Ms Cox, who was shot and stabbed to death in the constituency back in June.
Instead a number of far-right nationalist parties decided to run, including the National Front and the British National Party.
But none of them got more than 5% of the votes, which is the minimum threshold you need in order to get back the £5000 deposit put down by anyone running for election.
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After losing, some of the defeated candidates chose to try and shout down ex-soap star Ms Brabin, who took to the stage in Huddersfield where the count was being held, just before 2am
Ms Brabin said: "This has been a difficult experience for all of us and tonight is a bitter sweet occasion for me. That this by-election has had to take place at all is a tragedy.
"I hope Jo will be proud tonight of our community. We have shown that we stand together with one voice choosing unity and hope."
Congratulating Ms Brabin on her victory, Brendan Cox tweeted: "Great to see all the purveyors of hate lose their deposits."
Earlier in the day he had urged the people of the constituency to use their votes to "show the world that hatred has no home in Batley & Spen".
Mr Cox also posted a picture of his late wife at the count on the night she was first elected in May last year, saying: "She was calm, serene and full of grace that night."
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was "good to see Labour see off the forces of hate and intolerance in Batley and Spen last night."
- Thomas Mair, 53, has been charged with 41-year-old Mrs Cox's murder, possession of a firearm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. He is set to face trial next month.