A year on from the tragedy that shook Southend, Parliament and our democracy, the loss of the late Sir David Amess is still so raw. Sir David was known far and wide, home and away, for a variety of different reasons, from being an avid animal welfare activist, to a devoted Catholic, to simply being an extraordinary gentleman. Southend misses him dearly for his love, steadfast devotion, and care to his beloved constituency and now city.
The loss of Sir David has created a void within Southend and his parliamentary team, due to his larger-than-life character and genuine care for those around him. However, although Sir David is no longer with us, he has left Southend with a legacy that cannot be described as anything less than extraordinary. He took the time to get to know as many constituents, meet as many business owners, visit as many schools, and attend as many masses as he possibly could. This is how he built such an extraordinary legacy that will last for a lifetime.
This was going to be extremely hard role to fill by his successor, however, Anna Firth, the new Member of Parliament for Southend West, has lived up to the high expectations that constituents were so used to from Sir David. Although she has not been in the role nearly as long, she has made an extremely promising and impactful start and has upkept the love for Southend and everything the city has to offer.
Anna has continued Sir David’s immense legacy by being the voice for Southend, and primarily putting people before politics. She has continued face to face constituency surgeries, where she meets constituents fortnightly to discuss their concerns. Anna has followed Sir David’s style of always going the extra mile to help individuals where they need support, including when she supported Ukrainian refugees settle in Southend. She has tirelessly campaigned for Southend Hospital, for better transport and for better support for schools. She takes any opportunity she has to immerse herself within local activities taking place, be it a charity abseil down the hospital or joining a cold-water swimming group.
Sir David’s goal was to make Southend a city, and this has now been achieved. But, Sir David would not have just stopped here, he would have wanted the City of Culture status too, and this is Anna’s goal. She is championing Southend’s city status, supporting the inaugural city concert, and backing the City Festival set to take place in the New Year. The culture of Southend is greatly supported by the excellent charities they have, especially the Music Man Project, who Sir David supported so dearly, and now Anna wants to take them a step further onto Broadway. Sir David’s long lasting tradition of his Centenarian Tea Party was a highlight for many of Southend’s elderly residents, and Anna continued the annual, joyful event this year.
Sir David passionately supported numerous different issues in the House of Commons, but one topic he cared dearly for was animal welfare. Sir David was one of the first Conservative MPs who backed the banning of fox hunting, and throughout his time spoke passionately in the house on various animal rights issues. Anna has continued to champion this important issue, and she was honoured to be nominated as the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation’s Patron. She has continued to raise these issues in Parliament, and has spoken against experimentation on animals in the Commons.
