THE deputy leader of East Hampshire District Council and the Hampshire police and crime commissioner have paid tribute to MP Jo Cox who was killed last week in a gun and knife attack.

The Labour MP and mother of two was shot and stabbed in Birstall, West Yorkshire, last Thursday, where she had been due to hold a constituency surgery.

Headley councillor and deputy leader of East Hampshire District Council Richard Millard said he and his colleagues were sharing a reflective mood following the MP’s death.

“Councillors, staff and people across East Hampshire are shocked at the senseless death of Jo Cox MP,” Mr Millard said.

“All of us in public service will want to reflect on her commitment and sacrifice.

“Our thoughts are with her family at this time, and the Union flag at the council offices is flying at half mast.”

Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane described Jo Cox as a “vibrant” and “community-minded” MP and said he had been “won over by her energy”.

It was clear, he added, that she had something “special”, and added “democracy must recognise that it has taken a blow”.

Thomas Mair, 52, has been charged with murdering the MP.

Mrs Cox was the first sitting MP to be fatally attacked since Conservative Ian Gow was killed, in 1990, by an IRA car bomb.