elected. thank you to the | returning officer. tonight i pay — returning officer. tonight i pay tribute to sir david amess who represented this seat for more — who represented this seat for more than 24 years and was a passionate advocate for southend west. sir david was a truly— southend west. sir david was a truly exceptional mp. he was a friend — truly exceptional mp. he was a friend to — truly exceptional mp. he was a friend to all and he had a huge impact — friend to all and he had a huge impact on _ friend to all and he had a huge impact on everyone who lives here — impact on everyone who lives here for— impact on everyone who lives here. forthe impact on everyone who lives here. for the family of sir david, _ here. for the family of sir david, and his friends, tonight will be — david, and his friends, tonight will be a — david, and his friends, tonight will be a sad and painful day and — will be a sad and painful day and i— will be a sad and painful day and i would like to pay tribute to lady — and i would like to pay tribute to lady amess and their children. we think of you tonight _ children. we think of you tonight. i would also like to pay tribute to the political parties _ pay tribute to the political parties who marked their