David Amess was born in 1952 in East London to James and Maud, who turned 100 in May 2012. He graduated with a BSc in Economics from Bournemouth College of Technology in 1974. Following this, he worked a junior school teacher and then in accountancy and recruitment. David was a Councillor in the London Borough of Redbridge from 1982-1986.

David was first elected into Parliament in 1983 as MP for Basildon and was first elected for Southend West in 1997.

David lives in Southend with his wife Julia and their five children. His favourite charities are the Fairhaven and St. Luke’s Hospices and the Salvation Army. He enjoys reading, writing, sports and gardening.