It is with a huge amount of pride
and a significant amount of nervousness
that I make my maiden speech today.
But as the House [pays] tribute to my sister,
I mean no disrespect when I say
that I would give literally anything
not to be standing here today in her place.
For me, she will always be many other things before an MP:
a compassionate and caring humanitarian;
a proud Yorkshire lass;
a friend to many;
a loving daughter;
a fantastic sister-in-law and wife;
an outstanding mum;
and the best big sister anybody could ask for.
Jo’s murder ripped the heart out of our family.
It still does not feel real.
Jo said in her maiden speech,
"What surprises me time and time again
is that we are far more united
and have far more in common
than that which divides us.”
I believe those words are as true today
as when she said them—
perhaps even more so.
Since my election,
the one thing that people keep saying to me is,
“Kim, please don’t change,”
and I do not intend to.
I will always stay true to my roots and identity.
If I can be half the MP my sister was,
it will be a huge privilege
to get on with the job.