THE new Batley and Spen MP received a special welcome earlier today as she attended her first Prime Minister’s Questions.

Kim Leadbeater, who was elected last week, sat on the benches previously occupied by her elder sister Jo Cox, and she was welcomed by Labour leader Keir Starmer.

Mrs Cox was MP for Batley and Spen when she was murdered in Birstall village centre in 2016 by a far right terrorist.

Kim Leadbeater held the Batley and Spen seat for Labour last week in a by-election, triggered by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin's resignation.

Mr Starmer said: “Can I extend a special welcome to the new member for Batley and Spen?

“She sits there on these benches beneath the plaque to Jo Cox, her sister.

“That’s a special and emotional moment for all of us on these benches, and I think for everybody across this House.

“It takes incredible courage and bravery to stand in that constituency and to sit on these benches beneath that plaque.”

A plaque, featuring Jo Cox's 'More in Common' motto, was put up in the House of Commons after her assassination.