THURROCK politicians have reacted with shock at the news a Labour member of parliament was shot dead in West Yorkshire today.
Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in an attack in Birstall, near Leeds, shortly before 1pm on Thursday.
The 41-year-old mother-of-two had been at an advice surgery she was holding in the library there, which is in her constituency of Batley and Spen.
Armed officers from West Yorkshire Police responded to the attack and Mrs Cox was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
However in a press conference at 5.15pm the force’s chief constable Dee Collins announced the MP had died as a result of injuries sustained in the attack.
South Basildon and East Thurrock MP, Stephen Metcalfe sent a message of concern over social media when the news broke that the MP had been shot.
Mr Metcalfe said: "Shocked to hear about the shooting of my colleague Jo Cox. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
The leader of Thurrock Labour, cllr John Kent said: “The word tragedy is overused but the shocking killing of Jo Cox is just that – a tragedy.
"Two young children have been robbed of their mother. Their father has lost his wife while she was simply doing her job. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this tragic time".
Richard Howitt, the MEP for the East of England, said: “Everyone in the Labour party is in a state of deep shock.
“We are very grateful for all of the cross-party messages of condolence but all of our thoughts are first and foremost with Jo Cox’s family.
“Jo worked in the European Parliament when I was first elected and she was passionate about international development and went on to work for a development organisation.
“She went into politics to help the poor of the world and its devastating news that she has been taken from us.”
Thurrock UKIP have sent a message of condolence to the family and friends of Mrs Cox.
Former Thurrock MP, Andrew Mackinlay said: "Jo Cox gave dedicated public service throughout her life. When she witnessed conflict, she sought to heal. When she saw wrongs, she strove to right them. Where she found hate ,she tried to bring love.
"It is moving that people of vastly differing political views and traditions have spontaneously put aside their campaigns to come together in remembrance, and to show solidarity with her grieving husband and children.
"In our prayers let us hope that her short life will be an inspiration to others ,to stand firm in defence of the disadvantaged. May she rest in peace."
We have contacted a number of other politicians and will publish their tributes in due course.
