THE sister of murdered MP Jo Cox has announced she is hoping to run as a candidate for Labour in the Batley and Spen by-election.

Campaigner Kim Leadbeater, an ambassador for the Jo Cox Foundation, said she would be "honoured" to represent the constituency formerly served by her sister and had been “moved” by the number of local people urging her to run.

Ms Leadbeater said she would "speak up" for Batley and Spen and would give her all in Westminster.

The by-election was called after Tracy Brabin was elected as the first mayor of West Yorkshire on Sunday. 

Last year, Ms Leadbeater was made an MBE for her work fighting social isolation and, following her sister’s death, threw herself into promoting causes she was passionate about.

Mother-of-two Mrs Cox, 41, was shot and stabbed by far-right extremist Thomas Mair on June 16, 2016.

She had been the Labour MP for Batley and Spen for just over a year when she was killed by Mair – a social recluse – in Birstall.

In her maiden speech in the House of Commons, Mrs Cox famously said: “We have far more in common than that which divides us.”

Ms Leadbeater founded the Great Get Together – a series of events within communities to help people create ties and help those who are lonely build support networks, and took place online during the pandemic.

Following the announcement she was to be made an MBE, Ms Leadbeater said: “I am very honoured and humbled to receive this recognition.

“I would have much preferred for my sister to be here carrying on the work she started on loneliness and so much else, but while this is sadly a bittersweet moment for our family, I know that Jo would be extremely proud.

“For me this is not a personal achievement – it is an acknowledgment of the many people who have worked alongside me since Jo’s murder to make a difference on the issues she cared deeply about.

“I am reminded every day that you are only as good as your team and your support network – and mine are amazing.”

She said Jo remained her "constant inspiration".

Many political commentators have predicted Labour faces a tough fight to hold onto the seat – which Ms Brabin held with a 3,525 majority at the last general election – after its by-election result in Hartlepool.