Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been left floundered by the brutal murder of veteran Tory MP, Sir David Amess.
Johnson, speaking in the wake of the heinous crime, said “all our hearts are filled with shock and sadness.”
Amess, who served as an MP for almost 40 years, was killed while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh on Sea on Friday afternoon.
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Paying tribute to the father of five on Friday, Johnson said the UK had lost “a fine public servant and a much-loved friend and colleague.”
“The reason people are so shocked and sad is above all he was one of the kindest, nicest, most gentle people in politics,” Johnson said.
“He also had an outstanding record of passing laws to help the most vulnerable.”
When asked how he and his Cabinet colleagues felt when the tragic news broke, Johnson said: “I think everybody was deeply shocked and heart-stricken.”
Meanwhile, a 25-year-old has been apprehended on suspicion of murder at the church where Sir David Amess was killed.
The Tory MP’s murder marks the second of its kind in five years and has raised concern over the safety of MPs.
Speaking with Sky News, Johnson refused to be drawn into the conversation, saying: “I think what we need to do now is to let the police get on with the investigation.”
“I am sure that all those issues will be considered in the proper time but I think this is a moment for us to think of Sir David, his wife, his family and our thoughts are very much with them.”
However, Home Secretary Priti Patel says she will apprise the public “in due course” particularly on the subject of MPs safety in the wake of the “heartbreaking” and “senseless” attack.
Flags have been lowered to half mast at the Parliament Sir David Amess served.
Prime Minister Johnson was due to hold a cabinet meeting in Bristol when the tragic news broke.
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The PM consequently cleared his schedule and traveled back to London.
Condolences, tributes and prayers have continued to trickle in from political leaders as well as contemporaries who worked alongside the Tory MP during his time in public service.
Michael Gove, Communities secretary described it as “heart-breakingly sad,” adding: “He was a good and gentleman, he showed charity and compassion to all, his every word and act were marked by kindness.”
