THE new MP for Batley and Spen was sworn in during a ceremony at the House of Commons today.

Tracy Brabin, who was voted in with a majority of 86 per cent last week, signed the registry in the House alongside the new MP for David Cameron's former constituency, conservative barrister Robert Courts.

Ms Brabin, who had campaigned alongside Jo Cox said the victory for her and the Labour party was "bitter-sweet".

During her acceptance speech, the former Coronation Street actress said her win was a victory for "hope and unity" and thanked the other main parties for not standing as a mark of respect for Mrs Cox, who was killed in June.

The nine fringe parties who stood against Ms Brabin all lost their deposits through a lack of votes.

"This has been a difficult experience for all of us and tonight is a bittersweet occasion for me. That this by-election has had to take place at all is a tragedy," she said, as supporters of the small rival parties heckled her.

"I hope Jo will be proud tonight of our community. We have shown that we stand together with one voice choosing unity and hope."

MORE TOP STORIES