Sir David Amess’s long-running campaign to make Southend a city appears increasingly likely to succeed after a Cabinet minister said he feels there is a “certain inevitability” to the move.
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said on Monday that granting city status to the Essex town would be a “very fitting tribute” in the wake of the Southend West MP’s murder.
The Conservative was often seen in Westminster and on the campaign trail sporting “Make Southend a city” merchandise, including slogan-adorned baseball caps and face coverings.
Sir David’s family called for people to support the campaign in the wake of his killing at a surgery for constituents in Leigh-on-Sea on Friday.
Mr Raab, the Justice Secretary, told LBC radio: “It feels like a certain inevitability about this campaign.
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“Let me respect the mechanism for deciding it but say that I think it will be a very fitting tribute if it should come to pass.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel has already backed bestowing the title of city on the seaside town as a “wonderful tribute” to the MP’s 38 years of service.
Southend is one of several towns competing for city status as part of the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022.
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