Statue of Sir David Amess unveiled on Chalkwell seafront

A statue was revealed on Chalkwell seafront yesterday at a ceremony attended by politicians including Anna Firth, the Conservative MP for Southend West, and dozens of members of the public.

Tribute - the statue on Chalkwell seafront (Image: Elliot Deady / Newsquest)

It was unveiled by Andrew Rosindell, the Tory MP for Romford, alongside members of Southend’s Music Man Project who also sung at the event.

Speaking at the event, Ms Firth said: “Almost to this day two years ago we marked the culmination of Sir David’s incredible dedicated campaign to make our town a city.

“Today, we mark the culmination of our campaign as a city to build a fitting and permanent memorial to our greatest friend, the greatest ambassador and the founder of our city.

“We all know that Sir David was the most outstanding MP… and I believe that his dedicated service as an MP is an example to us all. It certainly inspires me.”

Former MP Ann Widdecombe read a moving speech on behalf of Sir David’s wife, Lady Julia Amess.

“We have been deeply touched by the caring and support of the citizens of Southend,” she said.

“Every day we are honoured in some way or another by people who remember David and like to share their stories about him.”

The statement added: “David is hugely missed and as a family we are devastated by his loss but events like today make us feel that he is with us forever and that his light remains.

“I and all my family thank you so much.”

Ceremony - Music Man Project and Anna Firth sang for the statue unveiling (Image: PA)

Eric Burgar, a committee member at Leigh’s branch of the Royal British Legion of which Sir David was a patron, was among the well-wishers who flocked to Chalkwell yesterday afternoon.

The 82-year-old Leigh resident said: “I met Sir David and although we were on opposite political sides, when it came to remembrance there’s no politics.”

Unveiled - Members of the Music Man Project helped unveil the statue (Image: PA)

Michael Boardman, 71, from Southend, also attended the ceremony to pay his respects to the former MP.

“Sir David was always involved in the local problems,” he told the Echo.

“He was always out and about when a lot of other MPs you never see. He seemed really interested in sorting Southend out and, of course, making it a city.”

Sir David was stabbed to death while meeting constituents at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh in October 2021.

His killer, Ali Harbi Ali, was convicted of murder and handed a whole-life prison term at the Old Bailey in 2022.