City status for Colchester is welcomed by Priti Patel MP
Priti Patel MP has joined residents, businesses and other MPs in Essex in celebrating the announcement that Colchester is one of the eight new cities created to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Colchester was one of 38 places considered for this honour and becomes the third place in Essex awarded city status, following Chelmsford in 2012, as part of the Diamond Jubilee, and Southend on Sea after the tragic death of Sir David Amess in 2021.
The campaign to secure city status was backed by the county’s MPs, along with Colchester Borough Council, community groups, businesses and residents. Priti, whose constituency includes parts of Colchester, said:
“The awarding of city status to Colchester is great news and I’d like to thank everyone involved in the campaign to make this happen. It is a recognition of the significant place Colchester has in the history of our country and, looking forward, the exciting future this part of Essex has ahead. With our strong connection to the Armed Forces through the Colchester Garrison, our world-beating businesses, an amazing university and the great cultural and tourism opportunities it offers, the granting of city status will help Colchester build on its successes.”