Leeds politicians have expressed their support to Sir David Amess and his family, after the MP died following a stabbing at a constituency meeting this afternoon.
The Conservative MP for Southend West was holding a weekly surgery meeting in Leigh-on-Sea, when a lone attacker stabbed him multiple times.
Essex Police have arrested a 25-year-old man and are understood to not be looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.
Mr Amess was treated at the scene, but Essex Police later confirmed that he had died following the incident.
The internet has since seen an outpouring of support for the 69-year-old, with MPs from across Leeds offering their support to David’s family.
Pudsey Conservative MP Stuart Andrew tweeted:
“I am at a loss for words. To lose another colleague like Sir David Amess, in such awful circumstances, is hard to comprehend. Sir David’s passion was clear for all to see across 40 years public service. A truly lovely man. My thoughts are with his family at this time.”
And Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves added:
“Such shocking news about David Amess. All my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this awful time.”
Leeds Central MP Hilary Benn (Lab) tweeted: “We are all deeply distressed and shocked to hear about David Amess. Thinking of you David and your family.”
Member for Leeds North East Fabian Hamilton (Lab) added: “Utterly horrific news about David Amess. My thoughts are with him and his family and friends.”
Emlet and Rothwell MP Alec Shelbrooke (Con) said: “Shocking news. My thoughts are with Sir David and his family, as well as his staff, who will be understandably shaken by today’s events.”
Richard Burgon, who represents Leeds East for Labour, said: “Deeply shocking news about the stabbing of David Amess. My thoughts are with David, his family and his friends.”
Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds East) said: “My thoughts and prayers are with David and his family.”
Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, expressed his shock over the incident and said:
“This is unspeakably awful news and my thoughts are with Sir David Amess’ family and office staff. It is inconceivable that in a democratic society or indeed anywhere that elected representatives serving their constituents should be in danger.
“There is no place for intimidation or violence in the bond between communities and the people who are elected to serve them and as a council we will be redoubling our efforts to ensure our elected representatives and their staff feel as supported as possible in conducting their work without fear or threat.”
Coun Paul Wray, a Labour councillor for Hunslet and Riverside, tweeted this afternoon: “Following today’s killing of a Member of Parliament, safety advice has been issued by the Council and until further notice, there will be uniformed police presence at all my councillor advise drop-ins and I’ll be ending all house visits.
“It is sad this extra security will be needed, but like many councillors and MPs – I refuse to not do my duty and I will continue to provide the service I was elected to provide. Democracy and accountability must always win.”
It is understood that the cancellation of home visits was not mandatory, but that numerous councillors are taking this step to ensure their safety.