Date confirmed for Sir David Amess statue to be unveiled
Anna Firth MP has announced the statues unveiling, to honour the former MP
It's been confirmed the statue to honour Sir David Amess will be unveiled in Southend next week.
Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, has announced the 11th April will be the date that the statue is revealed, in Southend, Sir David's former constituency.
Sir David was brutally murdered in Leigh on October 15, 2021. Ali Harbi Ali is currently serving a life sentence for his murder.
Sculptor Andrew Lilley was selected by the Amess family to make the statue in June 2023, with the statue's location decided by Lady Julia Amess, Anna Firth and local stakeholders.
The statue will be visible from the road once it has been unveiled, positioned for the statue of Sir David to be looking out over the estuary, Southend Pier and the Crowstone.
MP for Southend West, Anna Firth, said: "I am so pleased and proud to announce that the statue of Sir David will be unveiled next week.
"I was adamant when I was elected to succeed Sir David that there should be a permanent and meaningful memorial to someone who gave their life for Southend.
"When the Amess family asked me to help make it a reality I was delighted to assist and I really cannot thank Mr Vijay Patel OBE enough for his incredible generosity."
Ms Firth added:
"I so hope that the statue will provide solace and comfort to his family while also remaining a source of inspiration to the whole community of Southend."
Businessman Dr Vijay Patel OBE who knew Sir David from his time in Basildon, helped to fund the statue.
"As a family, we are so proud of all he achieved. He is missed every day - but his light remains."
Lady Julia Amess said: "I was delighted to have been able to work with Anna Firth MP and Southend City Council to decide on a location for the statue to David.
"It was crucial to ensure that the location was perfect, as I know David would have settled for nothing less. Being able to incorporate all of David’s favourite aspects of Southend, but especially the seafront played a key part in the choosing of this location and it’s one I am sure he would’ve loved.
"I hope that the statue will serve as a reminder of David’s total dedication to the City of Southend and its people.
"As a family, we are so proud of all he achieved. He is missed every day - but his light remains."
Sculptor of the statue, Andrew Lilley, said: "When I heard about the murder of such a prominent public servant as Sir David, I felt compelled to honour him. I felt this so strongly that I offered to start the sculpture even before funds had been secured. I'd like to thank the Amess family for trusting me with honouring Sir David in this way and also Anna Firth for making sure the funds were raised in time.
"The generosity of donors like Vijay Patel OBE is testament to the high regard in which the memory of Sir David is held in Southend."