Batley and Spen: Brighton MPs react to Labor by-election victory Brighton News

The seat was won with a majority of just 323 – down from the party’s cushion of 3,525 votes in 2019 – but the result came as a surprise after polls put the Tories first, insiders Labor fearing the worst.

Peter Kyle said the victory was a moment of “great pride”

The result means Ms Leadbeater now represents the seat previously held by her sister Jo Cox, who was murdered in the constituency in 2016.

Mr Kyle told The Argus: “I am so happy for the residents of Batley and Spen, they woke up to an MP who cares deeply about their community and will be an advocate who brings people together to overcome challenges.

“Kim’s parents are also very much in my thoughts. They lost Jo Cox in dire circumstances and watched Jo’s sister Kim suffer terrible abuse during the campaign.

Kim Leadbeater and Labor leader Sir Kier Starmer

“They raised two wonderful daughters and it must be a moment of great pride but also of heart and emotion.”

Ms Leadbeater secured the seat with 13,296 votes, with Tory Ryan Stephenson on 12,973 and George Galloway – who had targeted Labor voters and campaigned to topple Sir Keir – in third with 8,264.

Lloyd Russell Moyle, MP for Brighton Kemptown, said he was “delighted” to welcome Kim Leadbeater to Parliament next week, but suggested the victory should not be seen as a setback for Labor.

So happy with this victory and will be delighted to welcome with my colleagues PLP @kimleadbeater Member of parliament next week.

It was close, too close, but a victory is a victory and after a dirty campaign by their opponents, Kim and Batley can be proud that they and hope won over fear. https://t.co/zDG3wGvmdt

– Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP🌹🏳️‍🌈 (@lloyd_rm) July 2, 2021

Writing on Twitter, he said: “It was so close, too close, but a victory is a victory and after a dirty campaign from his opponents, Kim and Batley can be proud that they and hope have won. on fear. ”

Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer praised the “brilliant and courageous” Ms Leadbeater’s “fantastic result” after a competition marred by allegations of bashing and violence.

Ms Leadbeater said she was “absolutely delighted that the people of Batley and Spen have rejected the division and voted for hope”.

George galloway

The Batley and Spen contest saw clashes between Mr. Galloway’s Workers’ Party and Labor supporters.

The most controversial arguments revolved around the parties’ stance on international issues, including Kashmir and Palestine, as they fought for votes in Asian communities in the region.

Union activists said they were pelted with eggs and kicked during the election campaign over the weekend and West Yorkshire Police said an 18-year-old man from Batley was arrested on suspicion assault in the context of an attack on canvassers.

Mr Galloway said he would take legal action to overturn the result, saying his campaign effort was damaged by a “false statement” that he laughed while Ms Leadbeater was mistreated during the election campaign.

“The whole election campaign was dominated by lazy and false tropes about our campaign, about the thousands of people who voted for us, about their motives, in a way that slandered them as much as it slandered me.” , did he declare.

“So, for multiple reasons, we will ask the courts to overturn this election result. ”

The result will offer Sir Keir some breathing space amid speculation about a possible leadership challenge at Westminster.