“You can’t understand how someone can wake up in the morning and commit such a heinous crime…and he knew she was a mum, he’s researched her being a matriarch and that for me makes it even more sickening.”
Mair was later found guilty of Cox’s murder as well as possessing a firearm with intent, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing a dagger.
In November 2016 the judge gave him a whole life tariff and said the offence was so exceptional that Mair could only be released by a secretary of state.
Aswat said though Mair has never spoken about his crimes they knew he was a “far right supporter and a misogynist” and had Cox’s Brexit leaflet with him.
She also said that these issues were still ongoing, 10 years later.
“People are fearful and wary and that’s creating a culture of misguided hate towards one another.
“We can be different, we can be the same, we can be all of those things but be respectful and kind to each other”, she added.
Major, who now works for Cox’s sister Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, said she still worries about female MPs’ safety.
She admitted security was much tighter now and Leadbeater always had police nearby when out in public but “misogyny is rife” and the trolling of female MPs was “completely disgusting”.
“But Jo would be so proud of Kim, carrying on her work, she’ll be there cheering her on,” Major added.
When asked how Cox’s death has shaped their lives, Major replied it has made her “realise the value of family”.
“Jo was such a wonderful person, she rubbed off on everyone and you just want it to carry on”, she added.
