Chalkwell’s Conservative Candidate

COMMUNITY champion Julie Cushion chosen as Conservative candidate for Chalkwell.
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. Ms Cushion 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, Ms Cushion 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, Ms Cushion said she was proud to stand in a community she has worked with for many years.
She said: “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 Ms Cushion had long shared her husband’s commitment to helping local residents and supporting the community he cared about so deeply.
She said: “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.”
Ms Cushion 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.
David Stanley BEM, founder of the Music Man Project, praised Ms Cushion’s long-standing support for the charity and her dedication to Southend.
He said: “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.”
Picture: Julie with Southend Conservative supporters and Anna Firth
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