Former RAF Wing Commander Sophy Gardner and Sarah Champion, who runs the Bluebell Wood children's hospice, have been chosen by the party's executive.

BBC: Labour shortlists two women for Rotherham by-election

Alexander died at the Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, near Sheffield.

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Until she was declared winner of the by-election in the early hours of the morning, Ms Champion was chief executive of Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in Rotherham, which opened in 2008.

BBC: Rotherham MP Sarah Champion says 'not career politician'

It was a gamble because even though she has a high local profile, as the chief executive of Rotherham's Bluebell Wood children's hospice, she has never had to cope with the rough-and-tumble of an election campaign.

BBC: Rotherham by-election sees 'rough and tumble' campaign