Call for unity from murdered Yorkshire MP Jo Cox's sister Kim Leadbeater as she's awarded MBE in Queen's honours

Kim Leadbeater, ambassador for the Jo Cox Foundation, is among those honoured by the Queen for her efforts in a time of national crisis.

Humbled, she paused to reflect on what had led to this moment and on the foundation’s efforts over recent years to hold up her sister’s legacy.

“As with so many things, it’s bittersweet, I would much prefer Jo were here,” said Ms Leadbeater. “I know she would be so proud.

“It’s really important that we acknowledge so many people that have done so much incredible work to keep people together.”

Labour MP for Batley & Spen and mother-of-two Mrs Cox, 41, was killed by far-right extremist Thomas Mair in June 2016.

Following her death, Ms Leadbeater threw herself into promoting causes her sister was passionate about, founding events such as the Great Get Together to ease isolation.

She has long advocated a sense of community in healing divides and, over recent months, as many faced isolation, work has been stepped up to reach out.

Through the pandemic, she said, that has never been more important: “There are ways we could be feeling divided. We have to keep that togetherness going.”

Ms Leadbeater said the honour serves as acknowledgement for so many who have worked “tirelessly” since Jo’s murder.

“What the pandemic has shown is our sense of togetherness and our sense of community,” she added, echoing her sister’s maiden speech in the Commons.

“This is why we have to stay connected and look after our neighbours, and focus on the things we have in common rather than that which divides us.”