Friends and colleagues of Jo Cox have paid tribute to her and her family on the day her neo-Nazi murderer was jailed for the rest of his life.

Dewsbury Labour MP Paula Sherriff said in a Tweet: “Thinking of Jo Cox’s brave, dignified and courageous family today x.”

And Labour MP Tracy Brabin, Jo Cox’s successor as Batley and Spen MP, said: “Thinking of Jo’s family, friends and constituents of Batley and Spen as the jury bring guilty verdict. #lovelikejo.”

Ms Brabin urged people to honour Jo’s legacy by supporting organisations that she loved “who help make the world a better place.”

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “The single biggest tribute we can pay to Jo Cox will be to confront those who wish to promote the hatred and division that led to her murder.”

He said Jo’s values were lived out in her final moments when she put the safety of her staff before her own.

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“Jo is someone the Labour Party will forever be extremely proud of.”

The Labour leader added: “Jo was a loving mother and wife. I hope that the verdict has delivered some sense of justice to those grieving, particularly Jo’s family, who all of our thoughts are with at this time.”

Mr Corbyn added: “Jo Cox believed passionately that all people can achieve their full potential given the opportunity.

“Her murder was an attack on democracy, and has robbed the world of an ambassador of kindness and compassion.”

Jo’s widower, Brendan Cox, said: “We hope the country will take something from this. That Jo’s death will have meaning. That those in politics, the media or in our own communities who seek to divide us will face the unassailable wall of British tolerance and the articulation of Jo’s belief - that we hold more in common than that which divides us.”

Jo’s sister, Kim Leadbeater, said: “I for one will not be beaten by what has happened. It’s the last thing my sister would want.

Jo Cox's father Gordon Leadbeater (right) and sister Kim Leadbeater look on as her widower Brendan Cox speaks outside the Old Bailey in London

“I will channel my energy into ensuring Jo’s legacy continues. As a family we are more united than ever.”

She added: “There may have been one act of cowardice, but there were many acts of bravery.”

Labour MP Clive Lewis tweeted: “Jo Cox’s death was an attack on democracy itself and our thoughts today are with her family.”

Labour MP Dan Jarvis tweeted: “Thoughts are with Brendan Cox and Jo’s family today. We will never forget Jo and all she stood for. #MoreInCommon.”

On behalf of the Church of England Diocese of Leeds, the Bishop of Huddersfield, The Rt Revd Jonathan Gibbs, said:
“The murder of Jo Cox MP was a very dark day in the life of our nation.

“The trial of Thomas Mair and today's verdict have demonstrated the vital importance of justice and the rule of law which are at the heart of our nation.

“We pay tribute to Jo's wonderful example of service and to the bravery which she demonstrated right to the end of her life.

“We also pay tribute to the dignity and courage of her family and we will stand with them and continue to hold them in our prayers in the months and years ahead.

“Jo stood for the very best qualities which we look for in all our politicians.

“She believed firmly that "what unites us is greater than what divides us" - a principle she lived by throughout her career.

“We stand with those of all faiths and none across West Yorkshire in affirming what Jo stood for and we will honour her memory by working together for a more peaceful, tolerant and united world.”

The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, said: "

"Today justice has been done, but the grievous loss of an MP, wife and mother is not thereby resolved.

"As the community in Batley and Spen continues to look for healing, so do we continue to pray for Jo's family in particular as they adjust to a world without her.

"What has been revealed during this trial indicates that a peaceful society needs to be vigilant in relation to those within it who seek to use violence to divide."