On Saturday 18 September, Sir David was joined by James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, the Mayor of Southend, Cllr Margaret Borton, the Leader of Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Cllr Ian Gilbert, the Town Crier and members of the Southend City Status Committee to mark the official launch of Southend’s bid for city status.

The event took place at the Beecroft Gallery in Southend and has already attracted support from local residents who want to get behind the bid. Sir David is working alongside Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and a collection of volunteers from various sectors across Southend to produce a bid that shows off everything that makes the town unique. A social media campaign has also been launched with the opportunity for the people of Southend to have their say on what they love about the area they live. Find out more here: https://yoursay.southend.gov.uk/southend-on-sea-city-status

A city status competition has been launched as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Bids must be submitted by December and the winners of city status will be announced in 2022.

Following the launch Sir David said, “I am absolutely delighted that Southend’s bid for city status has now officially been launched. City status would provide a long overdue recognition of all Southend has to offer and I hope that as many residents as possible will put there support behind the bid”.