On Friday 3rd November, the Southend West Conservative Association held its annual dinner at the Royal Hotel in Southend. Among the attendees were the Chairman of the Association, Judith Suttling, the Leader of Southend Borough Council John Lamb, Southend West councillors as well as members of the association. The guest speaker at the dinner was former Secretary of State and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party - the Rt. Hon. Peter Lilley.

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, said:

“I was delighted that Peter, who was elected the same day I was in 1983 and held great offices of state, found the time to address our annual dinner. He is a politician held in great regard whose speech was welcomed by all those in attendance.”