Southend: Prince Charles presents city status document

Prince Charles has presented letters patent to Southend granting the Essex town city status.

It was announced Southend would become a city after the death of Conservative MP Sir David Amess, who had campaigned for the status for decades.

Addressing the council, the prince said "how we all wish we could celebrate the occasion without the shadow of the dreadful event that took the life of such a devoted public servant."

Southend is the 52nd city in England.

Sir David, who had served as Conservative MP for Southend West since 1997, was stabbed to death during a constituency surgery at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15 October.

Prince Charles, who was accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, said Sir David's death was an attack on democracy and compared it to the violent scenes in Ukraine.

He said: "What we saw in the terrible tragedy in Southend was an attack on democracy, on an open society, on freedom itself. We are seeing those same values under attack today in Ukraine in the most unconscionable way. In the stand we take here, we are in solidarity with all those who are resisting brutal aggression."

The prince also recalled a visit to Westcliffe on Sea in 2014 where he and his wife met Sir David and remembered his passion for making the then town a city.

He said: "During that visit we recall our conversation with Sir David Amess. I knew him of course as a renowned and respected parliamentarian and effective campaigner on many national and local issues. Among them was his passionate determination to secure city status for Southend.

"Today we mark the culmination of that dedicated campaign."

Lady Julia Amess has been given the freedom of the city on behalf of her late husband.

In a statement read by former MP Ann Widdecombe, Sir David's family said: "Despite a traumatic and tragic journey we have arrived at the city of Southend-on-Sea. How thrilled our husband and father would have been to know Her Majesty the Queen has bestowed such a huge honour to the people of Southend -on-Sea in his name. A dream come true."

"So on his behalf, we the family wish to say thank you to the amazing people in the community who have achieved so much for Southend - this is your day.

"We are all very proud of David and deeply honoured to accept the freedom of the city on his behalf. The very first freedom of Southend-on-Sea ever bestowed.

"A moment in history and a recognition of his love for Southend-on-Sea and its people.

"We are of course filled with sadness he is no longer with us but his legacy is huge and we are so grateful to have had him in our lives and know he will never be forgotten."

Upon the issue of the letters patent, an open document from the Queen conferring a patent or other right, Southend becomes the 52nd city in England and the second in Essex, alongside Chelmsford.

Mayor Margaret Borton said Southend-on-Sea was hugely honoured to receive a visit from Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall "on what is sure to be a momentous day for our new city."

At the start of the meeting conservative councillors Tony Cox and John Lamb, who supported the motion to posthumously give Sir David the freedom of the city, said it was a moment he would have loved.

Mr Cox said: "One person was responsible for Southend becoming a city and that was Sir David Amess, just as he was responsible for many great things that happened in his time representing Southend West for over 20 years."

"He worked tirelessly for this, as befitted his status as Mr Southend, but what we would all have preferred is to have him here today, proud of this momentous accolade, helping to shape Southend's future and celebrating city week."

Mr Lamb added: "There you are David, you made it, well done."

Councillors also voted to change the name of the authority from Southend-on-Sea Borough Council to Southend-on-Sea City Council.

Following the meeting Charles and Camilla are visiting the seafront to unveil a new eco-friendly pier train named after Sir David.

The battery-powered trains will take visitors from the shoreline to the end of Southend Pier, which at 1.33 miles (2.14km) is the longest pleasure pier in the world.