Remembering Jo Cox: Legacy of a British MP

Ten Years On, 'Misguided Hate' Still Rife, Say Cox's Former Assistants

On the 10th anniversary of Jo Cox's murder, the two assistants who witnessed the attack say the hatred that drove it remains unchecked. Sandra Major and Fazila Aswat were with the Labour MP for Batley and Spen when she was stabbed and shot outside a constituency surgery in Birstall in June 2016 by neo-Nazi Thomas Mair. In an interview with the BBC, they described a decade in which "misguided hate" has only grown more prevalent.

“You can't understand how someone can wake up in the morning and commit such a heinous crime,” Aswat said, recalling the day that began as “perfectly normal.”

Their testimony serves as a stark reminder that the ideological extremism that killed Cox has not faded. The case also underscores how forensic technology can help authorities track and prevent such acts—though the root cause of radicalization remains a persistent challenge.

• Sandra Major and Fazila Aswat witnessed the murder outside a constituency surgery in 2016.
• On the 10th anniversary, they told the BBC that "misguided hate" is still prevalent today.
• The attacker was neo-Nazi Thomas Mair, highlighting the lasting threat of far-right extremism.

A Life Cut Short: 'So Much She Could Have and Should Have Achieved'

Cox was a mother of two and a dedicated politician who embodied public service. Her assistant Fazila Aswat emphasized the many roles she could have fulfilled: “There's so much as a mum, wife, daughter and politician that she could have and should have achieved.” The words carry added weight given the violence that ended her life at 41.

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

Colleagues remember her "energy, joy and desire to help people" as defining traits. Those qualities shaped her approach to politics—a focus on constituency work and social justice that continues to inspire. In an era where political discourse is increasingly polarized, Cox's example offers a model of principled engagement.

• Cox was a mother of two and a dedicated politician for Batley and Spen.
• Her assistant Fazila Aswat emphasized the roles she could have fulfilled as a mum, wife, daughter, and politician.
• Her colleagues remember her "energy, joy and desire to help people" as defining traits.

The Enduring Echo of Jo Cox's Example: A Legacy of Public Service

Jo Cox's commitment to constituency work and social justice continues to inspire those who knew her and many who didn't. Sandra Major described her as a “true friend” and a pleasure to work for, reflecting the personal bond that made the loss so profound. The decade since her death has seen her legacy carried forward through advocacy, remembrance, and the ongoing work of the Jo Cox Foundation.

Her murder also sparked a national conversation about the security of elected officials and the role of technology in public engagement. While political violence is rare in the UK, the national security implications of such acts remain a priority for governments worldwide.

• Cox's commitment to constituency work and social justice continues to inspire.
• Her assistant Sandra Major described her as a "true friend" and a pleasure to work for.
• The decade since her death has seen her legacy carried forward through advocacy and remembrance.

Key Takeaways

• Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen, was killed by a neo-Nazi in 2016, an event that shocked the UK.
• Her former assistants report that hate and extremism are still issues ten years later.
• Cox was remembered for her energy, joy, and dedication to helping others.
• Her potential as a mother, friend, and politician was tragically unfulfilled.
• The personal recollections of her team highlight the human cost of political violence.
• Her legacy endures through the ongoing work of those inspired by her example.