Former Coronation Street actress Tracy Brabin is looking to make her name as an MP after spending more than 20 years in TV soaps.
She has promised to be a “loud, proud and strong Yorkshire voice” after she was selected as the Labour candidate for the by-election called following the death of her friend Jo Cox.
Tracy has appeared in almost every TV soap from Corrie to EastEnders and is bidding to be the MP for Batley and Spen, in West Yorkshire.
It is pretty much a done deal as all the other major parties have vowed not to contest the seat out of respect for Jo Cox.
The actress and screenwriter was selected by around 300 party members ahead of the only other shortlisted candidate.
Tracy said: “This was a by-election none of us wanted, brought about by tragic circumstances.
“Jo Cox was a friend of mine. She was a wonderful person and an absolutely outstanding MP for the constituency which she, like me, was proud to have grown up in and call home.
“No one can replace Jo, but I promise that if you put your faith in me at this by-election, I will be a loud, proud and strong Yorkshire voice speaking up for everyone in Batley and Spen.”
She said: “I want to reassure people who have voted for other parties in the past – parties which are not contesting this election – that if elected I will stand up for you just as much as I will for Labour voters.
“I am the only candidate in this election who can stand up for everyone, bringing our community together rather than dividing it.
“I look forward to meeting as many people across the constituency as possible in the coming weeks, to seek your trust and support.”
Tracy was brought up in a council flat in the constituency and her mother owned a popular local cafe called Betty’s.
She worked with Jo Cox on her campaign to save the local library.
Tracy played Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street in the 1990s before appearing as Roxy Drake in EastEnders, and Carole in Emmerdale.
She has also written for shows including Family Affairs, Tracy Beaker and Hollyoaks.
The poll, which will take place on October 20, was called following the death of Mrs Cox, who was 41 and had two young children when she was shot and stabbed to death on June 16.