Neighbours pay tribute to '˜down-to-earth' MP Jo Cox

The former next door neighbours of MP Jo Cox spoke today of a '˜down-to-earth girl-next-door' and paid tribute to her as an MP.
A tribute left in memory of MP Jo Cox. Pic: PA.A tribute left in memory of MP Jo Cox. Pic: PA.
A tribute left in memory of MP Jo Cox. Pic: PA.

Helen Skelly, who lives in Heckmondwike, lived next to the Cox family for several years and described them as “a lovely family.”

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, retired nurse Helen, a mother of two, said: “They moved in when the kids were teenagers.

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“Jo’s parents, Jean and Gordon, were easy to get along with and would always say hello.

“The girls, Jo and Kim [her younger sister] both went to Heckmondwike Grammar School.

“I didn’t see them a lot but they always had a smile and a pleasant word to say, they would always ask about your family and how you were.

“Jo was really down-to-earth but outgoing. She knew what she wanted from the word go.

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“I just cannot believe this has happened and my heart goes out to her parents and sister and the rest of her family, who must be going through absolute hell. She was the girl next door.”

She added: “What has happened is ridiculous, it’s just a mile away from where we live.”

She said the family moved out of the house to live in Liversedge about two years ago, adding: “I sometimes see them in Morrisons [in Heckmondwike] and we say hello. I’m sad for her children and her family.”

Helen’s youngest son, Anthony, 38, said he also remembered the family and Jo.

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He said: “I’m shocked at the news. They were both great girls and she was one of the best MPs we’ve ever had. They moved in next door when we were kids. We used to see them and say hello. I just can’t believe this has happened.”