Two years on: the second anniversary of the murder of Sir David Amess
The former Southend West MP's legacy is being remembered
Last updated 15th Oct 2023
Two years on from the murder of Sir David Amess, we're remembering the former Southend West MP.
The 69-year-old father of five 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.
Last year, to mark the first anniversary of his death, a tree was planted in his memory at Chalkwell Park on Saturday 15th October.
The tree will be planted using compost from the many flowers that were left across the area in the days and weeks following his murder.
This year, many are paying their respects to the father of five in their own individual ways, as we mark two years since 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.