Jo Cox dead: Tributes pour in from politicians after Labour MP dies after being shot and stabbed

The MP was 41-years-old

Politicians have paid tribute to the MP Jo Cox, who has died after being shot and stabbed in her constituency.

The Labour MP for Batley and Spen was attacked in Birstall near Leeds where she was holding her weekly MP surgery at a local library. She was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary where she was initially reported to be in a critical condition.

Politicians on all sides have paid tribute to the popular MP and both sides of the EU referendum debate have abandoned campaigning for the day.

In a statement, the leader of the Labour party Jeremy Corbyn said: "The whole of the Labour Party and Labour family – and indeed the whole country – will be in shock at the horrific murder of Jo Cox today.

"Jo died doing her public duty at the heart of our democracy, listening to and representing the people she was elected to serve. It is a profoundly important cause for us all.

"Jo was universally liked at Westminster, not just by her Labour colleagues, but across Parliament.

"In the coming days, there will be questions to answer about how and why she died. But for now all our thoughts are with Jo’s husband Brendan and their two young children. They will grow up without their mum, but can be immensely proud of what she did, what she achieved and what she stood for.

“We send them our deepest condolences. We have lost a much loved colleague, a real talent and a dedicated campaigner for social justice and peace. But they have lost a wife and a mother, and our hearts go out to them.”

The deputy leader of the party Tom Watson said "the whole of the Labour movement is devastated at Jo's death".

“It is hard to comprehend how a compassionate, principled and beautiful person can be taken away from us so cruelly. It's even more devastating because she was doing what she did best - serving her constituents.

“We grieve her loss. Our love and prayers are with Brendan and Jo's family.”

The Prime Minister said Cox's death was a "tragedy" and said his thoughts were with her family.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne said his thoughts were with her husband and children.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who had previously worked with Ms Cox described her as "the most vivacious, personable, dynamic and committed friend you could ever have."

"She went to some of the most dangerous places in the world. The last place she should have been in danger was in her home town.

"People will say that this does not happen in Britain. This should not happen in Britain. And we must resolve that this will never again happen in Britain.

"This is a devastating day. And it is a devastating blow to our democracy."

Former leader of the Labour party Ed Miliband said she was "full of life and joy".

Former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said Cox was one of the "liveliest, bravest and most passionate MPs".

Fellow Labour MP Jess Phillips said she was "amazing" and that her heart was broken, while Stella Creasy said she was "one of a kind".

Boris Johnson said he was "sad and shocked" to hear of Cox's death.

The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, said her heart breaks for Cox's family.

Broadcasters Nick Robinson and Owen Jones also paid tribute to Cox.

Prior to being an MP, Cox was an aid worker who campaigned in war-torn countries on issues such as discrimination and poverty. She had previously held roles as an advisor to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and was the former head of humanitarian campaigning for Oxfam.

Cox was elected as a Labour MP in 2015 and was considered a rising star within the party. She has been a vocal supporter of the Remain campaign during the EU referendum and on Wednesday was pictured with her husband and two children on the Brexit flotilla debate.