MPs remember Sir David Amess on anniversary of his murder

The Prime Minister Liz Truss and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have led tributes to Sir David Amess on the first anniversary of his murder.

Sir David, who was an MP for nearly 40 years, was stabbed during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15 October 2021.

He is survived by his wife Lady Julia Amess and their three children.

The prime minister tweeted a statement along with Sir David's parliamentary portrait on Saturday morning.

Southend-on-Sea Council also planted a tree in the city in memory of the veteran Conservative MP, who represented Southend West.

The prime minister wrote: "On the anniversary of Sir David Amess' death, we cherish his memory and remember his enormous contribution to politics, to the people of Southend and to the country.

"My thoughts today are with his wife Julia, the Amess family and to all those who knew and loved him."

Labour leader Sir Keir wrote on Twitter: "Remembering our friend & colleague David Amess, on the 1st anniversary of his senseless death.

"David's commitment to public service, carried out with inherent, consistent kindness, will forever be admired.

"Thinking of his wife & children, hoping memories of him bring comfort."

Compost made from flowers left across the area in the days and weeks following the MP's death was used in the tree-planting ceremony at Chalkwell Park.

Southend mayor, Councillor Kevin Robinson, made a speech on behalf of the local community, and an ensemble from the Southend Band performed.

Stephen George, leader of the council, said: "A kind family man, Sir David was devoted to his local constituency of Southend West and was the greatest champion of Southend-on-Sea and local area.

"He is greatly missed and we hope that we can remember him in an appropriate way by planting a memorial tree at one of his favourite local parks."

Mr Robinson said: "Whilst we reflect on the awful and tragic events of October 15, 2021, we must also be thankful for the life that Sir David lived and the many lives that he touched and changed both locally and beyond.

"Southend-on-Sea would not be a city without the continued commitment of Sir David to make it happen, and as the first freeman of the city of Southend-on-Sea, he will always be the most important part of our history as a city."

The 69-year-old, who had campaigned to make Southend-on-Sea a city and was posthumously made the first freeman of the new city, had served Southend West since 1997, and Basildon before that since 1983.

Ali Harbi Ali, 26, who claimed he targeted the MP over his vote for airstrikes on Syria, was handed a whole-life prison term in April after a trial at the Old Bailey.