Sir David Amess life-size statue is unveiled

The statue is on Chalkwell seafront near the Chalkwell Lifeguards' base in Southend

A life-size statue created in the memory of a long-serving Conservative MP who was murdered almost three years ago has been unveiled.

Sir David Amess served as a Southend West MP when he was fatally stabbed in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, in October 2021.

"He may not admit it, but I'm sure he would have been flattered there is a statue in his memory," said his former constituency assistant Julie Cushion.

It was unveiled near the Chalkwell Lifeguards' base in Southend.

Listen: 'Why I took on the project before any money had been raised for it'

His widow Lady Julia Amess said: "He is missed every day - but his light remains."

Ms Cushion, who attended the unveiling, said Sir David "was one of life's characters, he was an amazing member of parliament, he worked so hard for his constituency".

"He loved people, he loved community - especially getting involved in charity and things like that," she said.

Sir David Amess had long championed the bid to make Southend a city

The statue's location was important to Sir David because he walked his dogs there and he had a close relationship with the lifeguard station, she added.

She was pleased there is now somewhere in the constituency where friends can "acknowledge him and pay our respects".

His constituency assistant Julie Cushion said he "loved community - especially getting involved in charity

Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe was also at the unveiling and said "It's a very, very good statue, I was quite moved when I saw it unveiled."

"He was a terrific chap, always enthusiastic, always late for everything because he'd spent so much time talking to everybody at the previous do, and was known in Westminster as the man with the perpetual grin," she added.

The statue was designed and cast in bronze by sculptor Andrew Lilley, who said he felt compelled to create the artwork to honour the Southend West politician who was "so loved and admired".

Andrew Lilley started work on his Sir David Amess sculpture in January last year

Mr Lilley decided to start work on the sculpture even before securing any funding for it.

The money needed for the sculpture was raised by Sir David's MP successor, Anna Firth, and businessman Dr Vijay Patel.

The statue sits atop a plinth surrounded by rose bushes, which were Sir David's favourite flowers.

Its been positioned on top of a pedestal to give the impression Sir David is standing and looking out over the estuary, Southend Pier and The Crowstone.

Lady Amess said: "It was crucial to ensure that the location was perfect, as I know David would have settled for nothing less.

"Being able to incorporate all of David's favourite aspects of Southend, but especially the seafront played a key part in the choosing of this location and it's one I am sure he would've loved."

Ms Firth said: "I was adamant when I was elected to succeed Sir David that there should be a permanent and meaningful memorial to someone who gave their life for Southend."