A TV actress is set to stand as a candidate for Jo Cox’s constituency of Batley and Spen.
Former Emmerdale, Coronation Street and EastEnders star Tracy Brabin grew up in Batley and went to Heckmondwike Grammar – the same school attended by the MP.
Mum-of-two Jo was shot and stabbed to death outside a constituency surgery in Birstall in June.
Ms Brabin, 55, is reported to already have the backing of Labour, and could soon be expected to announce her bid.
Batley-born Ms Brabin has previously canvassed for the party in the area, and accompanied Jo on a visit to Heckmondwike Grammar in September, 2014.
The actress also attended Jo’s funeral in July, where she described her friend as a “true inspiration” and an “extraordinary woman.”
Her mother, Betty, was one of the constituents inside Birstall library when Jo was attacked outside on June 16.
Thomas Mair has been charged with her murder and is scheduled to stand trial at the Old Bailey in November.
Batley is currently being temporarily represented by Halifax MP Holly Lynch.
Reports claim that Labour’s National Executive Committee will soon announce the vacancy, and will narrow applicants down to three or four candidates, with the seat to remain uncontested by the other main parties.
Sources told The Sun newspaper that Tracy was keen to carry on Jo’s legacy, and is already the “favourite” to continue her work in Kirklees.
No date has been set for the by-election, but it is expected to take place in October at the earliest.
In a tweet Ms Brabin said she was “thinking about” standing but added she needed to “talk to the people of Batley and Spen.”
Ms Brabin played Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street between 1994 and 1997. She later appeared as Roxy Drake in EastEnders and as Carole in Coronation Street.
She has also had roles in Holby City and Doctors and appeared alongside David Jason and Stephanie Cole in the 1989 series A Bit Of A Do.
