THE leader of Sedgemoor Labour group, Mick Lerry, had called on Party colleagues to temporarily suspend all campaigning on the EU Referendum as a mark of respect following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox.

The 41-year-old Leeds MP died on Thursday June 16 while meeting her constituents outside the library on the streets of her home town.

Leader of Somerset County Labour Group, Leigh Redman of Bridgwater South, said: "Shocking news about attack on Jo Cox MP, a lady working for her community. "Thoughts are with her family and friends.Horrible & shocking."

Leader of Bridgwater Town Labour Group, Cllr Brian Smedley of Bridgwater Westover, said: "The EU referendum campaign has heightened tensions across the country and people need to take a serious look at what is going on now before the final few days when they have to make the most important decision of a generation.

"Our campaign locally will be suspended until Monday 20 out of respect for our comrade.

"People need to take a pause for realisation and have a look at what’s becoming of this country."

In a statement, Jo’s husband, Brendan, said: "Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.

"More difficult, more painful, less joyful, less full of love.

"I and Jo’s friends and family are going to work every moment of our lives to love and nurture our kids and to fight against the hate that killed Jo.

"Jo believed in a better world and she fought for it every day of her life with an energy, and a zest for life that would exhaust most people.

"She would have wanted two things above all else to happen now- one that our precious children are bathed in love and two, that we all unite to fight against the hatred that killed her.

"Hate doesn’t have a creed, race or religion- it is poisonous.

"Jo would have no regrets about her life, she lived every day of it to the full."