EVESHAM’s and Pershore’s MPs have paid tribute to Labour MP Jo Cox who died after she was shot and stabbed in an attack in her constituency
Both Nigel Huddleston, who was elected in 2015 for the first time like Mrs Cox, and Harriett Baldwin paid their respects following the shocking incident on Thursday (June 16).
A 52-year-old-man was arrested over the incident in Birstall and remains in police custody.
In a statement, Mr Huddleston said he was ‘devastated’ and said Mrs Cox was ‘murdered in broad daylight while doing the job she loved and while serving the people whom she was so obviously proud to call her constituents’.
“My heart goes out to her family and her many, many friends inside and outside parliament,” he said.
“It is heart-breaking to know that two young children will now grow up without their mother.
“In her all too short parliamentary career, Jo made a huge impression and was respected and admired by everyone who came into contact her – from all political parties.
“Whenever Jo spoke in the chamber of the House of Commons the house fell silent to listen to her. “That is not an honour bestowed on all MPs and it speaks volumes about the high regard Jo was held in.
“Whenever Jo stood up to speak you knew it would be worth listening to.
“Jo also had a very endearing style of speaking: she made short, passionate, insightful points and focused especially on matters close to her heart.
“Jo always held her head high, greeted everyone with a smile and a hello and literally spread joy with her very presence,” he added.
Mr Huddleston said Mrs Cox made an effort to get on with everyone and worked on cross party campaigns, in particular with Andrew Mitchell MP on international development issues and Syria.
Mrs Baldwin said on Twitter: “In this attack on our democracy, we’ve lost a brave, principled woman who made the world a better place. My heart goes out to Jo’s family.”
