THE Union Jack over Redditch Town Hall is flying at half mast today (Friday, June 17) as a mark of respect following the tragic death of Jo Cox, Labour MP for Batley and Spen in West Yorkshire.
The flag had been due to be raised today after the shootings in Orlando, Florida, however after the death of the 41-year-old mother of two, who had only been an MP for 13 months, the decision was taken keep it at half mast.
Ms Cox was attacked, shot and stabbed in broad daylight outside the public library in Birstall when she had left her constituency surgery with aides.
A 52-year-old man, named as Thomas Mair, was arrested shortly afterwards.
Coun Bill Hartnett, leader of the council, said: “This is a tragic, tragic loss of a young MP with a bright future, who was liked by everyone and quite rightly.
“There’s cross party support for her.
“I think she is the first female MP to have been murdered whilst doing her job.
“She did a lot of good work, especially for Oxfam in the past, and had only been an MP for 12 months.
“It is a tragic loss to everyone, especially her family and two small children who our thoughts are with.
“We will therefore be lowering the flag at the Town Hall for her today.”
