At a Glance
- Julie Cushion selected as Conservative candidate for Chalkwell
- Long-standing community campaigner in Southend
- Former parliamentary assistant to Sir David Amess and Anna Firth
- Strong involvement in charities and voluntary organisations
- Backed by community leaders and local councillors
Leading Southend community campaigner Julie Cushion has been chosen as the Conservative candidate for Chalkwell in the upcoming local elections.
She will stand in the ward when voters go to the polls on Thursday, May 7.
Julie spent many years working in the Southend West constituency office as a parliamentary assistant to the late MP Sir David Amess and his successor Anna Firth.
Alongside this, Julie has played a key role in Southend’s community and voluntary sector, championing charities, community groups and initiatives across Southend, including the internationally-recognised Music Man Project.
She has served as a school governor and chaired the Members of SEN Trust Southend, while also supporting organisations including Southend Citizens Advice, Southend Choirs, the Royal British Legion and Aspirations Southend, which provides grants to young people.
Speaking about her candidacy, Julie said she was proud to stand in a community she has worked with for many years.
“I have spent much of my life working alongside residents, community groups and local charities in Southend, and it is a real privilege to stand in Chalkwell.
“This is a wonderful area with a strong sense of community. I want to keep supporting and helping residents, backing local businesses and protecting what makes our neighbourhood such a special place to live.
“I am really enjoying being part of the Chalkwell team and look forward to working even more closely with residents to make sure their voices are heard.”
Lady Julia Amess, widow of the late Sir David Amess, said Julie had long shared her husband’s commitment to helping local residents and supporting the community he cared about so deeply.
“Julie worked closely with Sir David for many years and was a trusted and valued member of his team.
“She knows how much helping people meant to him and cares deeply about supporting residents and the wider community.
“I know she shares that same dedication to public service and will work very hard for the people of Chalkwell.”
Julie is also a director of the Southend-based Music Man Project, the music education charity for people with learning disabilities, where she has helped guide and champion its work as it has grown into a globally recognised organisation.
Habermel
Performers from the charity have appeared at major venues including the London Palladium and the Royal Albert Hall and entertained members of the Royal Family.
The charity’s Global Ambassadors are set to make their Broadway debut in New York later this year, taking their inspiring story of accessible music to an international audience and fulfilling a long-held dream of the late Sir David Amess.
David Stanley BEM, founder of the Music Man Project, praised Julie’s long-standing support for the charity and her dedication to Southend.
“Julie has been a powerhouse for good in Southend for decades. Her commitment and passion for the people of this city is second to none.
“She has been a pillar of strength for my charity, The Music Man Project, supporting our performers and championing opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
“I can’t think of a better or more connected candidate to be the local councillor in Chalkwell.”
Councillor Nigel Folkard, who currently represents Chalkwell and is stepping down at the election, also welcomed Julie’s candidacy.
“Julie has an incredible record of public service in Southend and knows this community inside out.
“She understands the issues that matter to residents and has the experience and dedication needed to be a fantastic representative for Chalkwell.”