Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea is a seaside resort and unitary authority in the East of England.

Local and National Government

Borough Council

The Borough of Southend-on-Sea was the only tier of local government as a county borough from 1914 until the local government reorganisation of 1974, when it became a borough within the county of Essex. In 1998 it again became the single tier of local government when it became a unitary authority.

Related Topics:
County borough - 1914 - 1974 - Essex - 1998 - Unitary authority

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There are currently 17 wards each returning three councillors, making a total of 51. Councillors serve a three year term. The current composition is as follows.

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The council is thus controlled bv the Conservative Party. Most day to day decisions of the council are made up of a 10 member executive cabinet headed by the council leader. The current leader is Anna Waite.

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The town's coat-of-arms bears the motto 'Per Mare Per Ecclesiam' which translates into 'By the Sea and By the Church', reflecting Southend's historic position between the Church at Prittlewell and the sea as in the Thames estuary.

Related Topics:
Prittlewell - Thames

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The town is twinned with the resort town of Sopot in Poland. Sopot is the location of the longest wooden pier in Europe, while Southend is the location of the longest iron pleasure pier in the world.

Related Topics:
Sopot - Poland

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Members of Parliament

Southend is represented by two MPs at Westminster.

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The MP for Southend West has been, since 1997, David Amess (Conservative) who replaced Paul Channon.

Related Topics:
Southend West - 1997 - David Amess - Conservative - Paul Channon

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Since the 2005 General Election the MP for Southend East and nearby Rochford has been James Duddridge (Conservative), who replaced the long serving MP Sir Teddy Taylor. Despite its name the majority of the constituency is in Southend, Rochford makes up only a small part and the majority of Rochford District Council is actually represented by the MP for Rayleigh.

Related Topics:
2005 General Election - Southend East and nearby Rochford - James Duddridge - Conservative - Sir Teddy Taylor - Rayleigh

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Both seats are considered to be "safe seats" for the Conservative Party

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