he Conservatives have held on to the seat of Southend West following a by-election triggered by the killing of Sir David Amess.
In a contest that Labour and the Liberal Democrats together with different mainstream political events, selected to not contest, Tory candidate Anna Firth ran out as a cushty winner with 86 per cent of the vote.
The by-election was held after former incumbent Sir David was killed at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea Essex on October 15 throughout a constituency surgical procedure.
The 69-year-old had served Southend West since 1997, and Basildon earlier than that since 1983.
Ms Firth, a professional barrister, vowed to “work tirelessly to construct on all the pieces” achieved by Sir David throughout his prolonged tenure.
In her victory speech, she praised his widow Woman Amess, including that she recognised it was a “unhappy and painful day” for his household.
“It’s the honour of my life to signify the individuals of Southend West and the place the place I used to be born,” she advised supporters.
The by-election, which was contested by quite a lot of fringe events and unbiased candidates, drew a turnout of 24 per cent – a determine just under that of the Batley and Spen contest in 2016, which was held in comparable circumstances after Labour MP Jo Cox was killed.
In the course of the rely, the PA information company witnessed quite a lot of spoilt ballots containing messages rallying in opposition to Prime Minister Boris Johnson who’s embroiled in controversy round potential lockdown breaches in Downing Avenue.
One poll seen on the Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre the place the rely passed off mentioned “Boris, do a Brexit – get out”, whereas one other voter scrawled “Get Boris out”
Southend West, with its 66,354 registered voters, has been held by the Conservatives since its creation in 1950.
In opposition to a stage backdrop with “Southend Metropolis” branding – a reminder of Sir David’s posthumous success in seeing the Essex location’s standing upgraded – Ms Firth used her speech after being elected to heap reward on her predecessor as a “passionate advocate” for the world.
“Sir David was a very distinctive MP,” she mentioned.
“He was a buddy to all and had a huge effect on everybody who lives right here.
“For Sir David’s household and his pals tonight can be a tragic and painful day and I want to pay tribute to Woman Amess and their youngsters. We’re pondering of you tonight.”
Ali Harbi Ali is accused of murdering Sir David.
The 25-year-old can also be charged with making ready acts of terrorism between Could 1 2019 and September 28 final yr.
Ali denied the fees at a listening to on the Outdated Bailey in December and faces a trial later this yr.
Thursday’s ballot noticed the Psychedelic Motion’s Jason Pilley come a distant second within the contest with 512 votes, affording the Conservative’s a majority of 12,280. There have been 1,084 rejected poll papers.
The outcomes for every candidate had been as follows:
– Anna Firth (Conservative Occasion) 12,792 (86.10%)
– Jason Pilley (Psychedelic Motion) 512 (3.45%)
– Steve Legal guidelines (UKIP) 400 (2.69%)
– Catherine Blaiklock (English Democrats) 320 (2.15%)
– Jayda Fransen (Unbiased) 299 (2.01%)
– Ben Downton (Heritage Occasion) 236 (1.59%)
– Christopher Anderson (Freedom Alliance) 161 (1.08%)
– Graham Moore (English Structure Occasion) 86 (0.58%)
– Olga Childs (No description) 52 (0.35%)
