A FORMER independent councillor of 25 years has put his name in the ring to fill the shoes of Sir David Amess as Southend West MP.

Stephen Aylen, who served Southend as an independent councillor before losing his seat in May, will stand as a Tory candidate in the by-election.

The former councillor, who revealed how he votes Conservatives nationally and used to stand as a Tory councillor, has joined seven other candidates in the fight to replace Sir David Amess, who was killed last month.

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Southend’s Conservatives are adamant the formal process won’t begin until after Sir David’s funeral, which will be held at Westminster Cathedral on November 23.

Mr Aylen said: “If I can do a tenth of the job Sir David did, I will be really proud.

“I was always out canvassing with him before an election.

“He always passed on so much knowledge to me, I learnt so much from him.

“The amount of knowledge he had was staggering. He could remember anyone’s name.

“It’s going to be a really tough job for the person that does become the MP for Southend West.

“Sir David knew everyone in his constituency.”

Sir David, known as Mr Southend, was killed during a constituent surgery inside the Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh earlier this month.

Southend was named a city in his honour, following his lengthy campaign for the title.

Sr David’s death has prompted security concerns for both MP’s and councillors across the political spectrum.

The man accused of killing Sir David will face trial next year.

Ali Harbi Ali, 25, of Kentish Town in north London, is charged with murder and the preparation of terrorist acts.

The Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties have already stated they will not be contesting the seat out of respect to Sir David.

Mr Aylen admitted he may not be successful, but insisted it must be someone local to Southend who takes on the role.

He added: “People will know me as an independent councillor, but local and national elections are two different things.

“I’m not sure if I’ll get anywhere, but it sends a clear message that the person has to be local.

“I few councillors encouraged me to put me name forward.

“There’s concern that someone might be parachuted in who doesn’t know Southend at all.”

Nigel Holdcroft, president of Southend West Conservatives, previously told the BBC the eight candidates would be considered “on their merits.”

The Southend West Conservative association declined to comment, but a spokesman said those who had applied would be revealed in “due course.”