Jo Cox's husband hails honour for passer-by hero

Brendan Cox, whose wife was attacked outside a constituency surgery in Birstall on June 16 last year, also welcomed the award of honours to Mrs Cox’s senior caseworker and the two West Yorkshire Police officers who arrested the murderer.

Mother-of-two Mrs Cox was shot and stabbed as she arrived for the surgery at Birstall Library.

Right-wing loner Thomas Mair was given a whole life term after being convicted of her murder at the Old Bailey in November.

Bernard Kenny, who was stabbed in the abdomen as he tried to stop Mair attacking Mrs Cox, has now been given the George Medal.

PC Craig Nicholls and PC Jonathan Wright have been awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

And senior caseworker Sandra Major, who witnessed the killing, has been handed an MBE for parliamentary services and service to the community in Batley and Spen.

After the announcement of the honours, Mr Cox tweeted: “So pleased Bernard Kenny, PC Craig Nicholls, PC Jonathan Wright, & Sandra Major all recognised in the Queen’s honours list for all they did.”