A FORMER Conservative MP has thanked residents for the “opportunity to serve” and congratulated Labour on their historic win in Southend.

Anna Firth, who won Southend West and Leigh in a 2022 by-election triggered following the devastating murder of Sir David Amess, lost her seat in the General Election by around 2,000 votes.

New Southend West and Leigh MP David Barton-Sampson gained 16,739 votes against Ms Firth’s 14,790 votes.

Thanking her former constituents, Ms Firth said in a statement: “I would like to thank everyone in Southend West and Leigh who has contacted me today or supported me over the last two and a half years.  It has been a huge privilege to serve our new city in Parliament and to uphold and honour Sir David’s legacy.

“I would like to congratulate David Burton-Sampson on becoming the next Member of Parliament for Southend West and Leigh.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together.  The work we’ve done will benefit the people of Southend West and Leigh for years to come.”

Among her achievements, Ms Firth listed a new A&E in the works along with two new operating theatres at Southend Hospital, upgrades to benefit pupils with special educational needs at Kingsdown and Blenheim Primary schools and a new clam fishery and £15 million of improvements to Old Leigh Port. 

Working to reduce storm overflows on the city’s beaches, introducing her Pet Abduction Act and helping to outlaw nitrous oxide and zombie knives, as well as supporting Southend United “whenever needed”, are also among her proudest moments.

“However, the people of Southend and Leigh have now clearly chosen to go in a different direction and I wish David Burton-Sampson every success in representing our city in Parliament,” she continued.

“I would like to say an enormous thank you to my family for all their amazing support, particularly my husband Edward, and also to my wonderful team, who have given everything - more than can ever be described - to Southend West and Leigh over the last two and a half years.  I would also like to thank my agent, Owen Cartey, and my association for working tirelessly, not just the last six weeks, but all the year round.

“Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all Conservative and non-Conservative voters who took the trouble to go and vote for me yesterday.  It is truly humbling and thank you again for the opportunity to serve.”