Brendan Cox: Husband of murdered MP Jo Cox quits charity roles amid sexual harassment accusations

The husband of murdered MP Jo Cox has stepped down from a number of charity roles amid a series of sexual harassment allegations.

Brendan Cox has left his role as director of the charities More In Common and The Jo Cox Foundation.

Mr Cox denied allegations of sexual harassment but admitted his actions may have been "inappropriate".

The Mail on Sunday published accusations, made by a former colleague while they both worked at charity Save the Children, in 2015.

Months later, it has been alleged he forced himself on a woman during a trip to Harvard University in the US.

He claimed allegations against him were a "massive exaggeration", during an interview with the newspaper.

But he said: "At the root [of the rumours] was a sense, which is fair, that I could overstep the line."

In a statement, he said: "I want to apologise deeply and unreservedly for my past behaviour and for the hurt and offence that I have caused.

"In the aftermath of Jo's murder, I promised that I would dedicate my life to two things, firstly loving and protecting our children and secondly fighting the hatred that killed Jo.

"In the last few days allegations from several years ago have resurfaced that makes concentrating on both of those tasks much more difficult.

"For that reason, while away over half-term, I decided to step down from my current public roles for the time being.

"While I do not accept the allegations contained in the 2015 complaint to the police in Cambridge, Massachusetts, I do acknowledge and understand that during my time at Save the Children I made mistakes and behaved in a way that caused some women hurt and offence.

"This was never malicious but it was certainly inappropriate.

"In the past I have focused on disputing what I felt was untrue in the allegations, but I realise now that it's more important to take full responsibility for what I have done.

"I am committed to holding myself to much higher standards of personal conduct in the future."

The Mail on Sunday claimed Mr Cox drunkenly harassed a female employee at Save the Children in London - allegedly holding her by the throat and making a lurid comment. He left his role at the charity shortly afterwards.

Responding to the resignation, a spokesman for The Jo Cox Foundation said: "The Board of the Jo Cox Foundation has accepted Brendan’s resignation as trustee.

"Since establishing the Jo Cox Foundation, the trustees and staff have admired the integrity, commitment and dedication that Brendan has shown in our work to create a positive legacy for Jo.

"The Jo Cox Foundation was established in September 2016 to channel the energy and determination generated by Jo's life and murder into practical efforts to advance the causes she championed.

"The trustees and staff remain committed to continuing this important work and honouring Jo’s life."