Tracy Brabin and Robert Courts sworn in as MPs

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37750114

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Tracy Brabin has been sworn in at the House of Commons, succeeding the late Jo Cox as MP for Batley and Spen.

Mrs Cox died in June after being shot and stabbed in Birstall.

Conservative Robert Courts, who won the by-election prompted by David Cameron's resignation, also took his seat.

Mr Courts, a barrister, and Ms Brabin, an actress, were sworn in to the Commons to cheers ahead of Prime Minister Theresa May's statement to MPs about the EU summit held last week.

Both by-elections took place last Thursday with Mr Courts winning the Witney one by 5,702 votes.

Ms Brabin, who has starred in TV soap operas including Coronation Street, Eastenders, Emmerdale and Casualty, won the Batley and Spen by-election with 85% of the vote for Labour after the Conservatives, Lib Dems, UKIP and Greens all decided against putting up a candidate.

She was welcomed earlier on Monday by Labour colleagues, appearing beside leader Jeremy Corbyn, saying she felt "honoured" to have been elected by her home town.

Mr Courts was flanked by Tory MPs John Howell and Victoria Prentis as he approached the despatch box to be sworn in. Mr Courts gave a nod to the Prime Minister after he had been sworn in.