Southend West by-election: Tories hold seat

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Prince Charles and Camilla are heading to Southend-on-Sea, in Essex, on March 1 to officially mark its new city’s status. During the visit, the Prince of Wales will present a letters patent to Mayor Margaret Borton. 

This move is particularly poignant as it comes just months after the murder of Conservative MP Sir David Amess, who had campaigned for two decades to see Southend gain city status. 

In December 2019, Sir David secured an adjournment debate on the issue.

On the day set to be particularly emotional for the new city, Sir David’s widow Lady Julia Amess will be given the freedom of the city on behalf of the late MP. 

After the presentation, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess will tour parts of the new city.  

Letters patent are a written order from the sovereign conferring a patent or other rights. 

Following the ceremony, Southend will officially become the 52nd city in England and the second in Essex, alongside Chelmsford. 

Speaking about the upcoming royal visit and its poignancy, Mayor Borton, said: “Formally receiving city status from The Prince of Wales will be a special moment for Southend-on-Sea, and we are hugely honoured to receive a visit from their royal highnesses on what is sure to be a momentous day for our new city.”

Ian Gilbert, leader of the borough council, said it would be a “landmark day for our new city and indeed our new city council, and one that will live long in the memory for all of us”. 

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