SOUTHEND’S new prospective Conservative MP has vowed to “do everything she can to continue Sir David’s legacy” as she described him as an “inspiration”.

Anna Firth was selected by the Southend West Conservative Association as their Parliamentary candidate last month, to stand in a forthcoming by-election.

Now, she has paid tribute to the late MP in a Conservative leaflet set to be distributed across Southend “in memory of Sir David”.

The leaflet also includes other tributes to the highly-respected MP, who was killed serving the public at a constituency surgery in Leigh.

Ms Firth said: “Like you I was shocked and horrified by the mindless murder of Sir David Amess, our countries finest constituency MP.

“Sir David was an inspiration who served our community with conviction, dedication and huge integrity.

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“No person or problem was ever too small for him and he helped everyone he met. His smile, enthusiasm and energy were infectious and to follow such a wonderful man would be an immense honour.

“We will all miss him for many months to come but I will work tirelessly to build on his impressive legacy and ensure his memory burns brightly forever in the city of Southend.”

Her tribute was placed alongside the headline “I will do everything I can to continue Sir David’s legacy”.

A by-election is expected to be held in February following the death of Sir David who died after being stabbed multiple times in Leigh while he conducted a residents’ surgery on October 15.

Ali Harbi Ali, 25, has is set to stand trial in connection with Sir David’s murder and terrorism offences.

In late October, it was announced the Queen will make Southend a city, which was one of Sir David’s key ambitions.

Sir David was first elected to Parliament to represent Basildon in 1983, and then stood for election in Southend West in 1997.

During his time in Parliament, he sponsored bills including the Abortion Amendment Bill dated 1996 and 1997, the Protection Against Cruel Tethering Act dated 1988 and the Warm Homes Bill, which passed into law in December 2000 as the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act.

Sevenoaks councillor Ms Firth gained more than 50 per cent of members’ votes in a second round of voting to become the chosen candidate.

Both the Labour Party and the Lib Dems have chosen not to stand in the by-election as a mark of respect.