St Bonaventure’s Catholic School at the London end of the diocese has officially launched the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament UK National Mace Tour. The event marks a significant milestone in the school’s countdown to its 150th anniversary in 2027, celebrating the legacy of one of its most distinguished alumni.
The day saw the formal swearing-in of seven newly elected ‘Child MPs’ from partner primary schools. These young representatives will participate in a historic debate held in the House of Commons Chamber in October 2026.
Fittingly, the launch took place at St Bonaventure’s, the school where a young David Amess first discovered his passion for politics, famously founding a ‘Revolutionary Party’ at age 11 to “abolish homework”. Students and staff joined together to honour his memory and learn more about the Children’s Parliament initiative.
The event was attended by high-profile supporters and patrons, including:
● Anna Firth, former MP for Southend and Patron of the Children’s Parliament.
● Uma Kumaran MP
● Baroness Uddin.
● Riccardo Burzotta, father of the UK’s Child Work & Pensions Secretary and newly appointed Faith Ambassador for the initiative.
Headteacher Christopher McCormack commented: “It is both a privilege and a responsibility to launch this national initiative in memory of Sir David. He believed children should learn not just how democracy works, but why it matters. Today, we celebrate that vision with the same optimism and dedication he showed throughout his life.”
Anna Firth, Patron, former MP of Southend West and Leigh, said: “As Patron of the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament UK, I am proud that young people across the UK are taking Sir David’s passion for democracy into their own hands through this national mace tour, carrying his values of service, kindness and public duty into every community it visits.”
Sir David was remembered internationally for his faith and compassion. Pope Francis paid tribute, acknowledging him as “a man of deep faith and concern for the poor and the neglected”. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II described his death as “a dreadful loss to the nation”, honouring his “outstanding and steadfast record of public service”.
Following his passing, St Bonaventure’s worked with Parliament to install a dedicated plaque in the main chamber in his memory, a permanent reminder of the school’s link to one of Britain’s most beloved MPs.
The National Mace Tour will next travel to Sir David’s former constituency of Southend West before visiting schools across the UK to facilitate further elections. The tour will culminate at Westminster in October 2026, where children will take part in a historic debate from the green benches of the House of Commons, marking five years since Sir David’s tragic death.
The launch at St Bonaventure’s brings full circle a legacy that began with one boy’s imagination and has evolved into a movement inspiring a new generation of young citizens.
