All of us at ConservativeHome are shocked and saddened by the death of Sir David Amess, who was stabbed multiple times in his constituency surgery in Essex today. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Sir David had been an MP since 1983, first for Basildon and then Southend West, and was extremely popular among parliamentarians and friends.
As tributes flooded in, words frequently used to describe him were “kind”, “lovely” and “compassionate”.
Here are some of the many messages that have been posted:
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.
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) October 15, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and staff of Sir David Amess.
He was a thoroughly kind and decent man who above all else cared strongly for his constituents and worked hard for them over his distinguished career.
We have all lost a good friend.
— David Davis (@DavidDavisMP) October 15, 2021
Devastated to hear the terrible news about Sir David Amess MP. He was a lovely, lovely man and a superb parliamentarian. My thoughts are with all his family and friends.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 15, 2021
So so sad about Sir David Amess. He embodied Essex man. Kind, thoughtful funny, compassionate and generous spirited. May he rest in peace.
— Robert Halfon MP ➡️Working Hard for Harlow⬅️ (@halfon4harlowMP) October 15, 2021
Heartbroken that we have lost Sir David Amess MP. A great common sense politician and a formidable campaigner with a big heart, and tremendous generosity of spirit – including towards those he disagreed with. RIP my friend.
— Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) October 15, 2021
For those who didn’t know Sir David Amess, this will give you a measure of the man. I’d played a small part in helping him get 200 children with learning disabilities to play the @RoyalAlbertHall. This is the video I filmed on the night of his thank you speech. pic.twitter.com/aF7SCiPd3k
— Penny Mordaunt (@PennyMordaunt) October 15, 2021
In the wake of this terrible attack, we remember a brilliant parliamentarian, and we contemplate the risks all MPs face.
After the death of Jo Cox five years ago, on the way to her constituency surgery, our nation vowed to change; to never let such violence happen again. Sir David’s death is a moment of national reflection.
ConservativeHome sends its thoughts and prayers to Sir David’s wife, Julia, and his children at this terrible time.