David Cameron denies using Jo Cox’s death for political advantage

British prime minister David Cameron has insisted his comments about Jo Cox were intended purely as a tribute to the Labour MP, after Ukip leader Nigel Farage accused him of a “despicable” attempt to use her death to boost his chance of winning Thursday’s EU referendum.

Mr Farage said the Remain campaign were “scared witless” about the prospect of defeat on June 23 and were trying to create a link in voters’ minds between her killing and the EU vote.

He also dismissed the defection to the Remain camp of former Conservative chair Sayeeda Warsi as a “Number 10 put-up job”.