Lisa Kavaney
Southend is to be accorded city status by the Queen, following the tragic death of MP, Sir David Amess.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on 18 October 2021 that the Queen had chosen to afford Southend the status of becoming a city in honour of Sir David.
Prime Minister Johnson said: “I am happy to announce that Her Majesty has agreed that Southend will be accorded the city status it so clearly deserves.”
The Conservative MP for Southend West died after being stabbed multiple times during his constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex on 15 October 2021.
Amess, 69, had been an MP for Southend since 1997.
He had campaigned for over 20 years to get recognition for the city and people he admired so greatly.
Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: “He was tireless in making sure that the voice of Southend West was heard.”
What does city status mean for Southend?
Historically cities were considered to require the presence of a cathedral; however, today, city status is a mark of prestige that the monarch can only grant.
Becoming a city does not come with any official benefits; however, it is an incredibly sought after status due to its ability to boost the local economy through increased tourism.
Southend was one of many towns competing as part of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilees celebration city status competition.
James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, said: “bid would turbocharge our economy and bring new investment to our area – putting Southend firmly on the map, both across the country and around the world.”
Cllr Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, says: “Southend-on-Sea is a great place and has much to offer as an official ‘city by the sea’”
Featured image courtesy of Eve Woodhouse on Unsplash. No changes or alterations have been made to this image. Image license can be found here.
Lisa Kavaney
Lisa is an NCTJ level 5 Diploma student, studying with the Academy of Disabled Journalists. She can be found on Twitter @lisakavaney