Prime Minister Liz Truss and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have led tributes to Sir David Amess on the first anniversary of his murder. The veteran Conservative MP, who served for nearly 40 years, was stabbed during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15 October 2021.
In a statement on Saturday, the Prime Minister said: '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.' She added that her thoughts were with his wife Julia, the Amess family, and all who knew him.
Sir Keir Starmer 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.'
Southend-on-Sea Council planted a tree in Chalkwell Park in memory of the MP, using compost made from flowers left after his death. The mayor, Councillor Kevin Robinson, said: 'We must also be thankful for the life that Sir David lived and the many lives that he touched.'
Sir David, 69, had campaigned to make Southend-on-Sea a city and was posthumously made the first freeman of the new city. Ali Harbi Ali, 26, was handed a whole-life prison term in April for his murder.
