Midlothian councillors have paid tribute to Sir David Amess at their first virtual meeting held since his death.
The meeting of the Labour administration's cabinet today (Tuesday) saw depute council leader Jim Muirhead ask colleagues to stand for a minute's silence in memory of Sir David.
The respected Conservative MP died on Friday after he was stabbed multiple times while holding a surgery in his Southend constituency on Friday.
Councillor Muirhead said: "By all accounts Sir David was a decent and caring man who was well respected right across the political spectrum and who was attacked while making himself available to assist his constituents with their problems.
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"I am sure you would wish to join me in sending our thoughts for his friends and family. It is a sad and tragic situation indeed."
Father-of-five Sir David was an MP for nearly 40 years and first served as Basildon representative before he was elected to Southend West's seat in 1997.
His tragic death happened as he was meeting constituents in a local church and a 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Earlier this week it was announced the Queen would make Southend a city in memory of Sir David who had long campaigned for the status to be given to his home.
