"Make Southend a city for Sir David"
Support seems to be growing to make Sir David's dream a reality in his memory.
Last updated 18th Oct 2021
Calls are growing for Southend to receive City Status in memory of Sir David Amess.
The father-of-five, had long campaigned for the town he loved to be made a city.
In an emotional statement released through the Metropolitan Police on Sunday, the 69-year-old’s family implored people to support the city-status campaign “in his memory”.
They said: “This is not the end of Sir David Amess MP. It is the next chapter and as a family we ask everyone to support the many charities he worked with.
“There are so many to mention, so find one close to your hearts and help.
“Closer to home, David was working hard for Southend to gain city status. In his memory, please show your support for this campaign.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said bestowing the title of city on the seaside town would be a “wonderful tribute” to the MP’s 38 years of service, with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle also rallying behind the idea.
While Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raad said on Monday he feels there is a "certain inevitability".
He added that granting the town city-status would be a "very fitting tribute".
Southend is one of several towns competing for city status as part of the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022, with Sir David a driving force behind the local campaign, having pushed for the recognition for at least two decades.
Just a month, ago, he helped to launch the official bid
Politicians up and down the country from all parties have been taking to social media to say it would be a fitting tribute to Sir David, for his vision to become a reality.
Rochford and Southend East MP, James Duddridge has promised to pick up where Sir David left off.
He said: "It would be very fitting. It's something David did and he did it with a wry joke - not because he wasn't serious about getting city status, because it was a hook upon which you could hang so many campaigns, so much enthusiasm for community groups. So yes, it'll have to be something I will have to pick up."
After the most recent Cabinet reshuffle in September, Sir David joked to the House that he was left disappointed not to be made “minister with responsibility for granting city status to Southend”.
Sir David Amess was fatally stabbed as he met with constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea on Friday (15 October) at the age of 69. He leaves behind his wife and five children.