Southend WILL become a city in tribute after years-long campaign by killed MP Sir David Amess

SOUTHEND will become a city in lasting memory of killed MP Sir David Amess, Boris Johnson confirmed today.

The Queen has agreed to elevate the Essex town to city status as a touching tribute to the late MP’s years-long campaign.

MPs cheered in the Commons as the PM said: “I am happy to announce that Her Majesty has agreed that Southend will be accorded the city status it so clearly deserves.”

Mr Johnson this afternoon led tributes to killed Sir David who was stabbed to death at his constituency surgery last Friday.

Following his killing Sir David’s heartbroken wife Julia and five children urged Brits to keep alive his memory by backing one of his many causes – including the campaign to make Southend a city.

Reflecting on his tireless campaign, the PM said: “He never once witnessed any achievement by any resident of Southend that could not, somehow, be cited in his bid to secure city status for that distinguished town.

“Highlights of that bulging folder included a world record for playing most triangles being played at once; a group of stilt-walkers travelling non-stop from the Essex coast to Downing Street; and a visiting foreign dignitary allegedly flouting protocol by saying he liked Southend more than Cleethorpes. “

MPs paid a touching tribute to their slain colleague Sir David Amess by leaving empty his seat in the Commons.

The gap stood out poignantly on the chamber’s rammed green benches as MPs bowed their heads in silence in honour of the killed dad-of-five.