Sir David Amess: Continuing his legacy in Southend-on-Sea
Sunday marks two years since the former Southend West MP's death
As we approach two years since the death of former Southend West MP, Sir David Amess, the leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council has spoken with Greatest Hits Radio about continuing his legacy in the City.
Cllr Tony Cox, leader of the council, says this week will always be difficult, and won't "ever get any easier".
Sir David Amess, was a 69-year-old father of five when he was stabbed to death while meeting constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15th October 2021.
Jurors found Sir David's killer, Ali Harbi Ali, guilty of murder after just 18 minutes of deliberation at the Old Bailey in April, and he was handed a whole-life prison term.
"We have to look at security"
The attack raised concerns over MP security, particularly alongside the 2016 murder of MP Jo Cox, which occurred in similar circumstances.
Cllr Cox believes MP safety is still something which needs addressing across the country:
"I for one don't disagree that there has to be a connect with the with the public and our politicians, that they can't be hidden away, and Sir David wouldn't have wanted that.
"But we have to look at security, we have to make sure that the MPs can go about their their work for the public in as safer manner as possible without losing that disconnect.
"But we can't, regardless of our views, and it's our old adage, 'I hear what you say, but I might not necessarily agree with it', but we may have our differences, but no one deserves to lose husband.
"No one deserves to lose a father.
"And that's what happened, and that shouldn't should not be happening."
Last year, to mark the first anniversary of his death, a tree was planted in Sir David's memory at Chalkwell Park on Saturday 15th October.
Councillors, MPs and local faith leaders attended the planting.
The tree was planted using compost from the many flowers that were left across the area in the days and weeks following his murder.
Sir David's legacy
Last year, Southend was awarded City status, something which Sir David had worked effortlessly for.
Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded the status to the city, in memory of Sir David.
Cllr Cox believes it's something the former MP would be immensely proud of.
"The fact that that Southend has now become a city, it was one of David's wishes when he was alive and it does act as the vehicle and the catalyst for bringing investment into Southend and that will always be a legacy of Sir David."
Alongside the decision to make Southend a City, Cllr Cox believes the death of Sir David unified politicians and councillors in the area of Essex, as they continue to remember his life and to work more civilly.
"I certainly think here in Southend, whilst we may have our differences locally, I think it has brought politicians a lot closer together and it isn't as adversarial as it used to be.
"Now I I do think that is a legacy from Sir David. We will fundamentally disagree, but it it's done in a more calmer and more pleasant way.
"And how it should be and it was those words, asked by Sir David's wife, Lady Julia Amess. She asked for a little bit more civility, and and I took those words to heart."
Cllr Cox believes Southend-on-Sea is an area which has opportunities for those to "flourish", and the continuing to take those opportunities for the City is one of the ways in which Sir David would want people to act.
Sunday October 15th will mark two years since the death of Sir David Amess.