Devon MPs pay tribute to Sir David Amess

Shock and sadness at murder

Politicians across Devon have offered their condolences following the killing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess last week.

The MP for Southend West, Essex died after being stabbed at one of his constituency surgeries on Friday, 15 October. A 25-year-old man thought to be  Ali Harbi Ali is being held in connection with the incident.

On Monday, the prime minister told the House of Commons the queen has agreed that Southend will become a city, one of Sir David's enduring campaigns.

As news of his murder broke on Friday, Devon councillors and MPs of all political persuasions expressed their shock.

Selaine Saxby, Conservative MP for North Devon said on Twitter how she was “shocked and saddened by the awful news about Sir David Amess.” She described him as “a truly wonderful MP and colleague.”

Luke Pollard, Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport wrote: “David Amess was a kind, gentle and thoroughly decent man. I worked with him on animal welfare campaigns. 

“My thoughts are with his family, his parliamentary team and his community. I know people in Plymouth would want me to send their support to the community in Southend. RIP David.”

Kevin Foster, Conservative MP for Torbay, posted: “Thinking today of the many kind words and bits of advice shared with me by David Amess since I got elected. He was killed doing his job, getting out and meeting his constituents, looking to help with any issues they had. May he rest in peace.”

Tiverton and Honiton MP Neil Parish said: “Devastated to hear of the death of Sir David. 

“He was an exemplary constituency MP, a dedicated parliamentarian, and above all, a kind and generous man. We worked together closely on animal welfare issues and he provided me with invaluable advice when I was first elected as an MP.”

For neighbouring East Devon, Simon Jupp (Conservative) wrote how he was “shocked and saddened by the death of Sir David Amess. He was a kind, considerate and caring colleague who went out of his way to make new colleagues feel welcome and set an example to us all.”

Anthony Magnall, Conservative MP for Totnes and South Devon also wrote on Twitter: “David was one of the kindest and most genuine men I have ever met.

“He aspired to the highest level of honour, decency and he made a huge mark on those around him. He will be greatly missed.” 

At Plymouth City Council, flags were lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect over the weekend. In a statement, leader of Plymouth City Council Nick Kelly (Conservatives, Compton), added: 

“On behalf of the city of Plymouth, I would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Sir David Amess MP and also to the people of Southend, who he so well represented for nearly 25 years.

“I trust that people across our wonderful, compassionate city will be keeping Sir David’s family in their thoughts.”

Diane Moore, (Greens, St Davids) progressive group co-leader on Exeter City Council described the killing as “horrific news.”

She said: “An MP doing his job – being available to constituents. Such public service must be safe. Thinking of David Amess MP’s family and friends.”

This week MPs held a minute’s silence in parliament to honour Sir Amess, who was 69. It was followed by a service at St Margaret’s Church, next to parliament.

Speaking last Friday, prime minister Boris Johnson said: “We’ve lost today a fine public servant and much-loved friend and colleague. Our thoughts are very much with his wife, his children and his family.”

Over the weekend, Home Secretary Pritti Patel said a review into MP safety had been launched following the incident.