TRIBUTES have been paid to Tory MP Sir David Amess who died after being stabbed multiple times at a meeting with constituents.

The suspect, a 25-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the Tory veteran was stabbed several times during a constituency surgery in Essex.

The 69-year-old victim, who has been an MP since 1983, was fatally injured at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex midday on Friday.

The father-of-five is the second sitting MP to be killed in such circumstances in five years, following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016 as she attended a constituency surgery.

Witnesses described the scene as “very distressing”.

 

READ MORE: Tory MP Sir David Amess dies after stabbing at constituency surgery

Following his death, representatives from across the political spectrum united to pay tribute.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon spoke of her “sadness and shock”.

She posted online: “This is awful beyond words. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with David’s family, friends and colleagues. May he rest in peace.

“Elected representatives from across the political spectrum will be united in sadness and shock today.

“In a democracy, politicians must be accessible and open to scrutiny, but no-one deserves to have their life taken while working for and representing their constituents”

The former leader of the Scottish Conservatives Jackson Carlaw paid tribute to Sir David and said: "Shocked and appalled at the death of Sir David Amess.

"An MP who had visited & taken an interest in the Scottish Parliament and the work that we do. A genuinely lovely man and my thoughts with his family on this tragic day."

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid wrote: "Devastated to learn of Sir David Amess' murder. A great man, a great friend, and a great MP killed while fulfilling his democratic role.

"My heart goes out to Julia, his family, and all who loved him. Let us remember him and what he did with his life."

Carrie Johnson, the Prime Minister’s wife, tweeted: “Absolutely devastating news about Sir David Amess.

“He was hugely kind and good. An enormous animal lover and a true gent. This is so completely unjust. Thoughts are with his wife and their children.”

Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps described Sir David Amess as “a true parliamentarian”.

He tweeted: “Awful, tragic news about David.

“A dedicated, thoughtful man and a true Parliamentarian, who lost his life while serving the constituents who he worked relentlessly for throughout his career.

“My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Michael Gove tweeted: “David Amess’s passing is heart-breakingly sad. Just terrible, terrible news.

“He was a good and gentle man, he showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness. My heart goes out to his family.”

Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: “I am so deeply, deeply saddened by the tragic news that Sir David has passed away.

“He loved being an MP and was a great public servant. It is just awful. My thoughts and prayers, and those of all Londoners, are with David’s loved ones at this time of unimaginable grief.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey tweeted: “This is tragic and horrible news. My thoughts are with David’s wife and children, the wider family, friends and David’s community.

“A truly terrible day for British politics but most importantly of all our prayers are with all the people who loved David.”

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford tweeted: “Deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sir David Amess. A truly despicable and horrifying act.

“My thoughts are with his friends, family, and constituency staff during this distressing time.”

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis described Sir David Amess as “one of life’s truly nice people”.

He tweeted: “I knew David both from my days as a councillor in Essex and as a fellow MP.

“One of life’s truly nice people, a gentleman, who was always ready to give his help to anyone who needed it.

“So shocked and saddened by this awful news. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron tweeted: “This is the most devastating, horrific & tragic news.

“David Amess was a kind & thoroughly decent man – & he was the most committed MP you could ever hope to meet.

“Words cannot adequately express the horror of what has happened today. Right now, my heart goes out to David’s family.”

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was a “dark and shocking day” after MP Sir David Amess was stabbed at a constituency meeting on Friday.

“My heart goes out to David’s wife and children, his staff, friends and constituents,” he said.

“This is a dark and shocking day. The whole country will feel it acutely, perhaps the more so because we have, heartbreakingly, been here before.

“Above all else, today I am thinking of David, of the dedicated public servant that he was and of the depth of positive impact he had for the people he represented. Informed by his faith, David had a profound sense of duty, that I witnessed first hand in Parliament. His Catholicism was central to his political life and he was highly respected across Parliament, within the church, and in the Christian community.

“Let us come together in response to these horrendous events. We will show once more that violence, intimidation and threats to our democracy will never prevail over the tireless commitment of public servants simply doing their jobs.”