Sister of MP Jo Cox helps launch new loneliness commission in Westminster

The sister of the murdered Yorkshire MP Jo Cox has spoken of their shared experience of loneliness during the MP's time at university, as she joined campaigners in Westminster for the launch of the commission set up in her memory.
The late Batley and Spen MP Jo CoxThe late Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox
The late Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox

Addressing an audience of politicians, policy makers, and friends and family of the late MP, Kim Leadbeater admitted that even though she and her sister were “surrounded by people for most of our lives”, they both had their own “experience of feeling alone” when Jo left for Cambridge.

She added that loneliness is something that “transcends age, gender, race religion, class and party politics”, affecting everyone from teenagers and carers, to new parents and the elderly. And she called for society to work together to forge more “cohesive communities and positive relationships”, adding that in doing so, they would “make Jo proud”.

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“When Jo went away to university it was a very difficult time for both of us, and I think it would be fair to say that we both experienced loneliness,” she said.

“Having been so close all our young lives, it was very tough to be apart.

“We would talk late at night about how much we missed each other, and I would write poetry to express my thoughts and feelings.

“Fortunately we both came through this period – we were lucky. But there were times when it was not easy.”

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Her words came during the launch of the new Jo Cox Loneliness Commission – a project dedicated to championing the work started by the Batley and Spen MP in the months before her death.

The programme is being led by the Labour MP Rachel Reeves and Tory MP Seema Kennedy, and will see 13 different charities work together to find a solution to UK’s growing loneliness “epidemic”.

Speaking at the event in Westminster yesterday, Ms Kennedy said it was obvious from her first conversation with Mrs Cox that she had a “big vision” for the campaign. “It was obvious she was a very passionate person, but just as importantly... she had a plan,” she said.