BASINGSTOKE MPs and councillors have paid tribute to the “rising star” of the Labour Party, Jo Cox, who was murdered in her constituency of Batley and Spen yesterday.

The mother-of-two was attacked after holding a routine surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire, by a man reportedly shouting "Britain first".

Since the shocking news broke, local politicians and councillors have sent their deepest condolences to Mrs Cox’s husband and children.

Leader of the Basingstoke Labour Party, Councillor Paul Harvey said: “I was in absolute shock when I heard the news on the radio.

“She was an amazing person, a rising star of the Labour Party who was going to do things for the good of her constituency and her country.”

MP for Basingstoke, Maria Miller had recently been working with Mrs Cox, saying she was really passionate about her work in parliament and in Bartley and Spen.

She said: “It was a total shock to hear of Jo’s death. I was recently working with her on a project to help Syrian refugees, and I know how passionate she was about the plight of that group of people.

“It is hugely important for MPs to go about the work in the community and not to work in fear.”

Mrs Cox’s Westminster colleague and MP for North West Hampshire, Kit Malthouse, said: “It is hard to find the words to express the stark horror at the killing of a fellow MP doing her duty.

“I did not know Jo Cox well. As fellow cyclists we bumped into each other in the members’ cloakroom from time to time but she was distinctive,” added Mr Malthouse.

“Her diminutive stature coupled with a benign, effervescent energy meant she stood out and will be terribly missed on all sides of the House. “

Ranil Jayawardena, MP for North East Hampshire, echoed the thoughts of many of his fellow MPs, adding: “I'm so sad to hear of the murder of my Parliamentary colleague, Jo Cox MP.

“Our democracy only exists if Members of Parliament - whatever their views, whatever their political party - have the right to work for their constituents and our country without fear of violence.”

Mr Jayawardena added: “It is a shame that it has come to this. Many MPs have repeatedly told the security authorities in Parliament that they are wrong to believe MPs are not in any real danger and overreact to threats. These awful events show that these threats can be very real.

“My thoughts and prayers - and, I'm sure, those of all in North East Hampshire - are with Jo's family and friends at this terrible time.”

Earlier today Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s police and crime commissioner Michael Lane added to the influx of tributes to the ‘special’ MP.

Mr Lane said: “Yesterday we lost a vibrant active leader with a common touch.

“We must be encouraged by Jo’s example of service and engagement of issues and make this a legacy for her.”