The extraordinary wave of sympathy and solidarity following the murder of Plaistow-born Tory MP David Amess on October 15 bridged the political divide everywhere – including in the Labour stronghold of Newham.

Council leaders paid their respects at the Council meeting three days after he was killed while holding a surgery for his constituents in Southend.

John Oxley, Chair of West Ham Conservative Association, told Newham Voices, that everyone in politics was shocked by the murder:

“As the MP first for Basildon and then Southend, Sir David Amess dedicated his life to public service,” he said. “It was so sad that he died while holding a surgery for his constituents – a part of his role that was very dear to his heart.”

For Newham Conservatives, it was a particularly saddening loss, said Oxley. “Sir David was one of us and remained a good friend to the organisation throughout his life,” he said.

“He was a true local lad, born in Plaistow and attending school in Forest Gate. His first step onto the national political stage was also here, standing as the Tory candidate in the old Newham North West seat in 1979.”

Even when Sir David found greater success elsewhere, he remained true to his Newham roots, said Oxley.

“He maintained a keen interest in the area, supporting us with fundraising and events. Everyone who encountered him knew he was a real character, a ferocious campaigner, and deeply proud of his roots in West Ham.”

The council held a minutes’ silence in memory of one of Newham’s most famous sons, Sir David Amess, following his brutal murder in Southend on October 15. It was “a heinous crime” said the Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz.

Council members were told that although he found inspiration for his politics elsewhere, the humanity, humility and lack of conceit that marked out Amess as a remarkable politician was forged on the streets of Plaistow where he was born and in the classrooms of St Bonaventure, the Catholic Grammar School in Forest Gate where he spent his years as a schoolboy.

He was, said Alan Griffiths (Canning Town South) one of the most successful Tories ever to stand for election in the staunchly red-rose territory of Newham. Although he failed in elections in the 1970s, both as councillor and his attempt to win the old Newham North West constituency, he registered record-breaking votes for the blues.

And his legacy at St Bons where he is fondly remembered and where he came to celebrate the school’s 140th anniversary four years ago, lives on said Terry Paul (Stratford and New Town), another St Bons old boy.

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