Jo Cox's sister only meets voters with dates for fear of being attacked

Kim Leadbeater - who represents the same seat his sister held until her death - called for more to be done to protect politicians, who, she says, face a "shopping list" of threats, abuse and attacks

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Kim Leadbeater says murder 'gives grief a whole new dimension'

The sister of slain Labor MP Jo Cox has said she only meets voters by appointment for fear of being targeted as well.

Kim Leadbeater has called for more to be done to protect politicians, who she says face a "shopping list" of threats, abuse and attacks.

In 2021, she was elected Labor MP to represent the same seat of West York, Batley and Spen, which her sister held until her death in 2016.

She said: "For many MPs things changed after Jo was killed over public engagement. Some MPs still do open surgeries, I don't and I don't. ever will.

"We do a lot of meetings where people will come to the office, but everything is pre-arranged."

Kim Leadbeater (left) sat down for an interview with GB News presenter Gloria De Piero (

Picture:

UK News)

Ms Leadbeater said: "I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me. I chose this...but I think it's also important that people understand the reality of what it's like to 'to be a deputy, even a councillor.'

She added, "The last thing I want is for my parents, my partner, my family and my friends to get that phone call that, you know, nobody should have to get."

Labour MP Jo Cox, 41, was stabbed repeatedly by a far-right terrorist as she traveled to a constituency medical practice to meet local residents in June 2016.

In October 2021, another MP, Conservative Sir David Amess, 69, was stabbed to death during a constituency meeting.

After her murder, Ms Leadbeater said her partner asked her to resign as MP.

In October, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said he lay awake at night fearing another phone call telling him that an MP had been murdered.

He called on MPs to set an example to the public by respecting each other and ensuring that they adopt all security measures offered to them.

He said: "We are constantly reviewing, day by day, what we need to do in terms of security. I am always worried about the hate and the threats that...