Sir David Amess memorial plaque unveiled in House of Commons

On the shield, five red roses represent Sir David's children and his love of gardening, two talbot dogs represent animal rescue, which he promoted, and Bournemouth University - his alma mater

The wife of a long-serving Conservative MP who was murdered two years ago has unveiled a plaque in his memory inside the House of Commons.

The shield has been installed just a couple of seats away from where Essex MP Sir David Amess sat in the chamber.

His family, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Home Secretary Suella Braverman attended a small ceremony.

Lady Julia Amess said: "We are hugely honoured that his legacy lives on in the Commons".

However, she added: "Like so many of his friends, we miss his ready smile, ridiculous sense of humour and lifelong mission to brighten the most difficult of moments."

Sir David entered Parliament in 1983 as the Conservative MP for Basildon

Sir David served as MP for Basildon in Essex from 1983 to 1997. He served for Southend West from 1997 until his murder at a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on 15 October 2021.

The shield includes a coat of arms featuring five red roses representing his children and love of gardening; two talbot dogs representing animal rescue, a cause he championed; and Bournemouth University, his alma mater.

Lady Amess said "the Commons meant everything to David".

"He loved people and worked tirelessly to help anyone. He rarely took 'no' for an answer if he felt more could be done to help someone," she added.

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Sir Lindsay said: "Sir David was one of the nicest, kindest people I have ever known - and I was lucky enough to call him a friend.

"We miss his cheerful interventions - extolling the virtues of his constituency of Southend West, which has finally been bestowed city status - so I am pleased we have been able to honour him in the chamber that he adored."

The shield in his memory joins plaques to other MPs killed during service, including Sir Anthony Berry, Airey Neave and Jo Cox.