Local MPs have been remembering their former colleague and friend Jo Cox, who was tragically killed five years ago today (Wednesday).

The Labour MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire and mother-of-two was shot and stabbed by far-right extremist Thomas Mair when on her way to meet constituents on 16 June 2016. 

Later that year, Mair, 53, was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order. 

Jo's sister Kim Leadbeater is contesting the constituency the murdered MP once represented for Labour in a by-election on 1 July, prompted by the resignation as Batley MP of Tracy Brabin, who was recently elected as West Yorkshire's first regional mayor.

On this difficult day, Jo's family said they 'remain optimistic that her vision of a country where we are better at recognising what we have in common is getting closer'. 

In a statement on behalf of the family, Jo's widower Brendan said on Twitter: "We all miss Jo every day. Her energy, warmth, passion, humour and love. She looked for and believed in the best of people and the best of our country, for what unites us, rather than where we disagree. 

"We remain optimistic that her vision of a country where we are better at recognising what we have in common is getting closer. Though our family has been devastated by our loss, we still feel Jo’s love as a mum, wife, daughter, sister and auntie every single day of our lives. 

"Thank you to everyone who has been with us through thick and thin. To all those who have wrapped us in their love. To our friends who have always had our backs. Sending love to everyone whose lives were affected by Jo’s life and death." 

The Jo Cox Foundation - established by friends and family following her death to "build a positive legacy for Jo" - have also spoke of their determination to "follow Jo's inspiration and look ahead with the conviction that the kinder, fairer world she believed in remains within our grasp". 

'I miss Jo every day' 

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton, Droylsden and Failsworth, tweeted: "I miss Jo every day and I know so many other people do too. As we mark five years since her tragic murder, I'm remembering my friend as the intelligent, passionate, determined force of nature that she was.

"In her memory we all strive to be more like Jo and follow her example." 

I miss Jo every day and I know so many other people do too.

As we mark five years since her tragic murder, I'm remembering my friend as the intelligent, passionate, determined force of nature that she was. In her memory we all strive to be more like Jo and follow her example. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/5Y4h6jUvzW

— Angela Rayner 🌹 (@AngelaRayner) June 16, 2021

Denton MP Andrew Gwynne posted on Facebook: "Five years ago, we lost Jo Cox. Jo fought tirelessly for what she believed in, and her loss is immeasurable. Today, let's celebrate Jo's legacy by remembering that we have far #MoreInCommon than that which divides us." 

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon also tweeted: "Remembering Jo today, and reflecting on the inspiring work done in her memory by her foundation." 

Remembering Jo today, and reflecting on the inspiring work done in her memory by her foundation #moreincommon #jocox @JoCoxFoundation https://t.co/xljKKYdRDi

— Jim McMahon MP (@JimfromOldham) June 16, 2021