A COUNCILLOR who was stabbed by a teenager 45 years ago says local politicians ‘must not retreat behind closed walls’ following the killing of Southend West MP Sir David Amess.

Sir David was attacked at a church while meeting constituents in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex on Friday.

Just five years ago, the Labour MP Jo Cox was killed after being stabbed and shot before a constituency surgery was due to take place.

Read also: MPs on their security following killing of Sir David Amess

John Howson, who is now chair of Oxfordshire County Council, was stabbed by a 15-year-old in 1977 while he was a 29-year-old teacher at Tottenham School in north London.

He was teaching a GCE geography class at about 3pm when a pupil who had a grudge against the school came in on the first day of the term.

Mr Howson was the first teacher the pupil came across, with the attack making the front page of the Daily Mirror the following day.

Oxford Mail: John Howson holding up the Daily Mirror front page. Picture: Ed NixJohn Howson holding up the Daily Mirror front page. Picture: Ed Nix

“As a victim of a knife attack when a young teacher in the 1970s, these attacks have a personal resonance,” said Mr Howson.

“I was lucky and survived thanks to the intervention of another.

“I didn’t stop teaching and our politicians across Oxfordshire will rise to the challenge of promoting and serving the needs of those that live, work and visit our county.

“We will continue to serve our communities.”

Mr Howson said councillors must remain accessible to their communities in the wake of Sir David’s death.

Oxford Mail: MP Sir David Amess was stabbed several times at a surgery in his Southend West constituency. Picture: Chris McAndrew/PA WireMP Sir David Amess was stabbed several times at a surgery in his Southend West constituency. Picture: Chris McAndrew/PA Wire

“It is right that were look at measures of support and protection for those in public service,” said Mr Howson.

“However, all councillors recognise the power of democratic politics to make a positive difference to people’s lives and that politicians of all parties and of no party affiliation are dedicated public servants discharging their duties as best they can.

“We must not retreat behind closed walls, but reinforce the cornerstone of democracy that is the accessibility of those who serve their communities, from parish and town councils to Westminster.”

Witney MP Robert Courts said there are risks that come with his job which will never be eliminated.

He said: “The uncomfortable truth is that there are risks that come with this job but there is no greater honour than serving your local community in Parliament.

“It will never be possible to eliminate this risk entirely but it is right that we do everything possible to ensure we are keeping our staff and our families safe.”

On Tuesday, a man arrested on suspicion of sending a death threat to Labour MP Chris Bryant was released on bail.