Moving tributes were paid tonight to Sir David Amess, MP following his tragic death last week.
Southend-on-Sea councillors gathered for a meeting of Full Council which was dedicated to remembering Sir David.
Senior representatives from Essex Police and the East of England Ambulance Service, along with the paramedics and police officers who were first on the scene were also in attendance, along with James Duddridge, MP and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst.
The meeting was preceded with music from members of The Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs. The Mayor’s Chaplain led the Council in prayer and a minute’s silence also took place before the Mayor led tributes to Sir David.
Cllr Margaret Borton, Mayor of Southend-on-Sea then formally opened the meeting with her own tribute: “I only got to know Sir David after I became Mayor of Southend in May of this year, but this tragic incident has left me profoundly shocked and sad. At the many mayoral engagements we attended together I always found Sir David to be kind, helpful and so inclusive to myself, my husband Tony and others in attendance at the event.
“We have heard so much about how Sir David introduced fun and joy into everything he did. Sir David was a champion of all things Southend, whether it was its people, its charities or its businesses. Sir David – you will be greatly missed us all.”
On behalf of the local community and the council, the Mayor also thanked the first responders on the scene, saying: ““I know that you all acted with extreme professionalism and courage, and on behalf of the people of Southend-on-Sea and the council, I offer our sincere thanks to you all.”
Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council and leader of the Labour Group, says: “David was a great public servant, and our country has lost a fine parliamentarian.
“The last time I saw him was at the city status bid. He did most of the directing and organising himself. He had procured a town crier and the event had a serious purpose but it was done with a sense of fun. We now have the honour of city status to look forward to – it is a bittersweet moment, but he would have wanted us to enjoy it and ensure we get all we can from it.
“So while we feel shock, anger, grief, loss, fear and all of these emotions swirl around, let us resolve to support each other and honour his memory.”
Cllr Tony Cox, leader of the Conservative Group: “Sir David was one of the nicest and most charming people you could ever meet, and the tributes this week demonstrate how many lives he touched over nearly four decades representing the people of Essex. He died doing the job he loved, serving the people of Southend he cared so much for.
“I would agree to Southend never becoming a City if we could have Sir David back but it is a fitting tribute none the less and I can’t thank the Prime Minister and Her Majesty the Queen enough for bestowing City status on Southend. This ensures that his legacy in Southend will forever live on. A colleague and friend to many of us here, Rest in Peace Sir David. Southend is a poorer place without you. Rest in peace.”
Cllr Woodley, deputy leader of the council and leader of the Independent Group: “Sir David was devoted to his constituency of Southend West and was a real champion for Southend-on-Sea. How many times have we seen his photo in the local paper championing the causes that were dear to his heart? He took every opportunity in Parliament to push for Southend-on-Sea to become a city. This has been achieved and will be his legacy to all of us.
“Sir David will be greatly missed and my thoughts and the thoughts of the Independent Group are with his wife, family and friends.”
Cllr Carole Mulroney, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group: “So many people over this last week have told how Sir David helped them in many, many ways and regardless of party that is the sort of person we want and need as our MP, someone who is immersed in our City and its people, who knows it inside out and back to front.
“None of us can change what has happened but we can pick up the baton that Sir David has passed to us, run with it and take Southend to the winner’s enclosure. To do that we need to work together as he did in Parliament so that in the years to come we will remember with pride our part in this great adventure and the man that took us there. May he rest in peace.”
Quotes from Essex PFCC, Essex Police, and East of England Ambulance Service:
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, said “Sir David was a passionate, dedicated and hard-working representative of the people of Southend for so long. He truly showed us what a difference a Member of Parliament can make. He cared for the safety of his residents. On a personal note, I want to thank him for all the guidance and challenge he gave me as he worked to help improve the lives of those in his community.”
Essex Police Chief Constable BJ Harrington attended the meeting alongside Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Baldwin, Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow and Southend District Commander Chief Inspector Ian Hughes. They were joined by officers from across the Southend-on-Sea district command.
CC Harrington said: “Sir David - thank you for a life of tireless public service to the people of Southend and Essex, your loss will be felt by all of us who knew you well at Essex Police. We stand united with your family, the community, our partners and policing colleagues in our sorrow and our determination to ensure that justice is delivered.”
Tom Abell, chief executive of the East of England Ambulance Service, said: “I will always fondly remember Sir David’s fierce advocacy of his constituents during my time at Southend Hospital and in my current role at the East of England Ambulance Service. He was very much a model MP and his legacy, as was his life, is one of service to his community and country.”
You can rewatch the Full Council meeting on our webcast library.
A Book of Condolence is available at the Civic Centre from 10am to 7pm in the Jubilee Room, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue. More on our website: Sir David Amess, MP – Southend-on-Sea Borough Council