Anna Firth has been elected MP for Southend West, holding the seat for the Conservative Party in the by-election triggered by the killing of Sir David Amess.

Ms Firth faced no opposition from Labour or the Lib Dems who followed convention following the death of a sitting MP. 

She held the seat comfortably with 12,792 votes, 86 per cent of the vote. 

Speaking at the election declaration at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, Ms Firth said it was the "honour of her life" to represent the people of Southend. 

Echo: Thrilled - Anna Firth, Conservative candidate, wins the Southend West by-election on February 3, 2022, following the death of Sir David Amess who was killed at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in OctoberThrilled - Anna Firth, Conservative candidate, wins the Southend West by-election on February 3, 2022, following the death of Sir David Amess who was killed at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea in October

She vowed to “work tirelessly to build on everything” her predecessor Sir David Amess achieved.

Ms Firth described Sir David as a "truly exceptional MP".

The by-election was held after former incumbent Sir David was killed at Belfairs Methodist Church  on October 15 during a constituency surgery.

Ms Firth praised the major rival parties for choosing not to contest the poll and recognised it was a “sad and painful day” for Sir David’s family.

She said: “It is the honour of my life to represent the people of Southend West and the place where I was born.

“As your Member of Parliament, I will work tirelessly to build on everything he (Sir David) achieved.”

The newly-elected MP for Southend West also paid tribute to Sir David's family.

She said: “Tonight I pay tribute to Sir David Amess who represented this seat for more than 24 years and was a passionate advocate for Southend West.

“Sir David was a truly exceptional MP.

“He was a friend to all and had a huge impact on everyone who lives here.

“For Sir David’s family and his friends tonight will be a sad and painful day and I would like to pay tribute to Lady Amess and their children.

“We are thinking of you tonight.”

Lady Julia had supported Ms Firth and sent a message of support shortly before the by-election. 

Echo: Proud - Sir David Amess who served Southend West for 24 yearsProud - Sir David Amess who served Southend West for 24 years

SOUTHEND WEST FULL RESULTS

C hold

* Anna Firth (C) 12,792 (86.10%)

Jason Pilley (Psych Movement) 512 (3.45%)

Steve Laws (UKIP) 400 (2.69%)

Catherine Blaiklock (Eng Dem) 320 (2.15%)

Jayda Fransen (Ind) 299 (2.01%)

Ben Downton (Heritage) 236 (1.59%)

Christopher Anderson (FA) 161 (1.08%)

Graham Moore (Eng Const) 86 (0.58%)

Olga Childs (ND) 52 (0.35%)

C maj 12,280 (82.65%)

Electorate 66,462

Turnout 14,858 (22.36%, -45.05%)

2019: C maj 14,459 (31.07%) – Turnout 46,537 (67.40%)

Amess (C) 27,555 (59.21%); Line (Lab) 13,096 (28.14%); Stimson (LD)

5,312 (11.41%); Joseph (Ind) 574 (1.23%)