‘Defeated by this brutal murder’: York and North Yorkshire MPs pay tribute to Sir David Amess
MPs in York and North Yorkshire have expressed their shock and dismay at the death of Sir David Amess, after he was stabbed during a constituency surgery in Essex.
The 69-year-old Tory veteran, who had been an MP since 1983, was stabbed several times during a “very distressing” incident in Leigh-on-Sea.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Conservative colleague York Outer MP Julian Sturdy said this afternoon: “Devastated by the brutal murder of Sir David Amess, a man who had selflessly dedicated his life to public service.
“A true gentleman respected across the House by all colleagues. A passionate advocate for his constituents and the issues they cared about.
“He’ll be greatly missed.”
York Central Labour MP Rachael Maskell said: “I am sending love and heartfelt prayers to the family of David Amess.
“He was always the kindest and most courteous of colleagues, who loved his family and constituency so much, and was always proud to speak of both. Such tragedy.”
Thirsk and Malton Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake added his own tribute. “Terrible to hear of the tragic, sad loss of Sir David Amess one of the great veterans and great people of politics.
“Thoroughly decent man in every way, really will be missed in Parliament, by the people of Southend, many friends and, of course, the family he was so proud of.”
Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith said: “As a youngster I remember David Amess for his oratory, looks & dynamic hair.
“When I became Chief Whip I saw his humanity – the deep level of commitment he had to his Colleagues when they were ill or in distress was formidable. For him to be killed in this way is devastating.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Sir David Amess was “one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics”.
Speaking on Friday evening, Mr Johnson said: “I think all our hearts are full of shock and sadness today at the loss of Sir David Amess MP, who was killed in his constituency surgery in a church after almost 40 years of continuous service to the people of Essex and the whole of the United Kingdom.
“And the reason I think people are so shocked and saddened is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics, and he also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable, whether the people who are suffering from endometriosis, passing laws to end cruelty to animals, or doing a huge amount to reduce the fuel poverty suffered by people up and down the country.”