Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the Queen has agreed Southend will be granted city status following the killing of MP Sir David Amess.
Sir David, who was stabbed to death at Belfairs Methodist Church last Friday, regularly championed Southend's case to be a city during his time in Parliament.
Blues Chairman Ron Martin called it a ‘fitting tribute’.
"Sir David worked tirelessly over many many years for the town to be granted city status and wonderful that his efforts have been recognised.
"A truly fitting tribute and lasting legacy."