STUNNED politicians in Wyre Forest have spoken of their devastation at the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox.

The 41-year-old mother-of-two died on Thursday (June 16) after she was shot and stabbed in the street in Birstall, West Yorkshire.

Wyre Forest Labour group leader Nigel Knowles led the tributes to her and added that increased security for people in public office should be considered.

He said: “Everyone is completely devastated by this. People in the party are shattered. It is unbelievable that this could have happened.

“She was a very talented MP who was an advocate for, amongst many other things, women’s rights. She had a great career in front of her and she could have put a lot back in.

“You always got the impression with Jo that she was someone who put her community first and was not someone who put party politics to the nth degree at the expense of everything else.

“We send our full condolences to Brendan, their children and the rest of her family and friends. It is a terrible thing to have happened.”

He added: “We perhaps need to look at doing something extra for the protection of people in high profile roles, such as MPs.”

Current Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier said he would continue to hold his surgeries as he currently does.

He said: “It is absolutely tragic that someone like her - a mother - at the time of her parliamentary career that is so exciting, is cut down in this way.

“All of us MPs are in parliament for just one thing - to represent the communities we serve.

“The tone of politics has become increasing hostile and it is certainly the case that we get emails and tweets that are simply vile.

“However, we have to separate them from those people who need our help and are simply so frustrated by the system.

“I certainly get people who are angry in my surgeries, but I deal with it by working through their problems and trying to find a solution.

“I have had two occasions of abuse in the streets, but on both, it was by a drunk person around lunchtime. I have also had abuse at my job fairs from people who think we are not doing enough to get them a job.

“This will not change how we do things from my office. We will look at simple security measures, but I will continue to hold my surgeries on the same basis that I have always done.

“The single most important thing is that MPs continue to be approachable.”

Thomas Mair, aged 52, from Birstall, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday charged with murdering Mrs Cox and grievous bodily harm against 77-year-old Bernard Kenny - who remains in hospital after he was injured as he came to Mrs Cox's aid.

He was also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and possession of a knife.