Jo Cox's aides remember day of murder 10 years on

Two assistants to the late MP Jo Cox who witnessed her murder have said "misguided hate" is still rife on the 10th anniversary of the politician's death.

Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, was fatally stabbed and shot before a constituency surgery in Birstall in June 2016 by neo-Nazi Thomas Mair.

Sandra Major and Fazila Aswat were Cox's aides at the time and were with her when the attack happened on the street, moments after the three of them got out of a car.

Speaking to the BBC on the day of the anniversary, Aswat said: "There's so much as a mum, wife, daughter and politician that she could have and should have achieved."

Cox was a mother of two children and both Major and Aswat remember her "energy, joy and desire to help people".

"Jo was a really true friend, it was such a pleasure to work for her", said Major.

The day of the attack was a "perfectly normal day" with the trio's biggest concern being where to park.

Mair attacked Cox in front of shocked constituents using a sawn-off rifle and a dagger and also seriously assaulted a 78-year-old bystander who tried to stop him.

"She [Jo] was her usual chirpy self...next thing I knew Jo was on the floor and Sandra was screaming. Initially I thought she had fallen," said Major.

When it became clear what had happened, Aswat and Major tried to stop Mair by hitting him with their bags before Cox told them "get away you two, don't let him hurt you, let him hurt me".

But Aswat said Mair was "determined to kill her - he had one mission" and she made sure she stayed with Cox until an ambulance arrived.

Aswat said: "I just held her in my arms to be there with her.

"You can't understand how someone can wake up in the morning and commit such a heinous crime...and he knew she was a mum, he's researched her being a matriarch and that for me makes it even more sickening."

Mair was later found guilty of Cox's murder as well as possessing a firearm with intent, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a dagger.

In November 2016 the judge gave him a whole life tariff and said the offence was so exceptional that Mair could only be released by a secretary of state.

Aswat said though Mair has never spoken about his crimes they knew he was a "far right supporter and a misogynist" and had Cox's Brexit leaflet with him.

She also said that these issues were still ongoing, 10 years later.

"People are fearful and wary and that's creating a culture of misguided hate towards one another.

"We can be different, we can be the same, we can be all of those things but be respectful and kind to each other", she added.

Major, who now works for Cox's sister Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, said she still worries about female MPs' safety.

She admitted security was much tighter now and Leadbeater always had police nearby when out in public but "misogyny is rife" and the trolling of female MPs was "completely disgusting".

"But Jo would be so proud of Kim, carrying on her work, she'll be there cheering her on," Major added.

When asked how Cox's death has shaped their lives, Major replied it has made her "realise the value of family".

"Jo was such a wonderful person, she rubbed off on everyone and you just want it to carry on", she added.

Aswat said: "You become so much more conscious of family and friends and people that care about you and love you."

And what do they remember most fondly of Cox, who had grown up in Batley and been head girl at Heckmondwike Grammar School?

Major said: "Her cheeky smile, she was always late and a big hugger - she was just so warm and caring.

"I do miss her terribly and I wish everyone could just love like Jo."

Aswat agreed: "She didn't see borders, or differences, she hugged everybody tight.

"We take some comfort knowing that her words, her legacy and her life is still being celebrated," she added.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.