‘I’m sure I speak for residents around the borough when I express the total state of shock that such an appalling murder could take place and that the victim was a hard-working local MP who was serving her community when this unprovoked attack took place on Thursday.
‘Jo Cox had a long-standing record of public service having worked for Oxfam and anti-slavery charity, the Freedom Fund, and was born and raised in Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire before being elected as the local MP last year.
‘Jo was a principled parliamentarian who I know was a passionate advocate for social justice, helping the developing world and strengthening human rights across the globe.
‘I’ve arranged for Stockport to pay tribute to Jo’s extraordinary life by the lowering of the flag to half-mast outside the town hall this morning.
‘At this extremely difficult time our thoughts are with Jo’s husband Brendan and their two young children who I wish to send my deepest condolences to on behalf of the people of Stockport.’