An example to all

The granting of city status to Southend-on-sea by the Queen was a fitting tribute to the late Sir David Amess, who had campaigned throughout his years as the town’s MP for just such an accolade. It was also a further example of his extraordinary list of achievements as a legislator without having achieved ministerial rank, nor seemingly ever showing much interest in doing so.

Most MPS will conclude their careers without serving in government, either because their party never wins power or they have failed to impress the whips. But the legislature offers a career path all of its own, with select committees, all-party groups and private member’s Bills providing the assiduous MP with every opportunity to make a mark.

Sir David availed himself of all of these, achieving more from the backbenches than most ministers manage from years in office. His was an unsung political career and yet one that touched and helped not just his own constituents but all those whose causes he espoused.

The tributes paid to him from all sides in the Commons were moving and heartfelt. MPS who easily reach for abusive epithets to describe their opponents should think long and hard about

Sir David’s ability to hold passionate views but express them in a gentle, respectful and civil way.

Parliament as an institution has been battered in recent years, beset by scandals over expenses and by acrimony over Brexit. As the cockpit of national debate it has always been a disputatious place, though its debates are conducted within rules of decorum that are rarely observed outside. Yesterday, it was at its best as MPS set aside their differences to remember one whose life and service were an example to us all.