The politician died after he was stabbed multiple times while meeting constituents in Essex.
He was treated by emergency services at the venue in Leigh-on-Sea, but later died at the scene.
A 25-year-man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Judith Canham is deputy chair of the local Conservative club, and was due to see the MP tonight:
"I just can't believe it. I burst into tears as soon as I heard, because we do love him dearly, nobody's perfect in life, but he is as near perfect as it's been possible, as a constituency Member of Parliament."
