KEY figures in Colchester’s political scene gathered at the town hall as a senior cabinet officer minister visited to mark Colchester's new city status.

Lord Nicholas True, who is a Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, was joined by Colchester mayor Tim Young, High Steward of Colchester Sir Bob Russell, leader of the council David King, deputy council leader Adam Fox as well as former mayor Robert Davidson and other delegates.

Speaking about Colchester’s winning of city status, which will be made official during a royal visit, Lord True said it was the culmination of years of work from people in Colchester to give the town a sense of community and togetherness.

He said: “I think what [city status] embodies is the fruit of a lot of people working very hard for a long time – getting this has brought that community spirit together.

“Having the title and the publicity is a springboard for attracting people to come and potentially invest – in Preston, for example, it led to an expansion of the university.”

When asked about the factors which contributed to Colchester being awarded city status, Lord True explained the town's bid was strong in that it emphasised its ancient history and royal connections.

“It was the fifth time Colchester tried [to become a city], and, of course, the history was important – I was surprised it wasn’t a city before," he said. 

“I can’t speak for what moves the palace, but clearly the long connection with the armed forces – whose focus of loyalty is the Crown – I think that part of Colchester’s life is very important as well.”

Colchester was not the only place in England to be named a city this year, with the same honour conferred on Doncaster and Milton Keynes.

When asked whether numerous towns being given city status diluted the quality the award, Lord True said any honour from the Queen is special.

He said: “None of us expected to see the platinum jubilee yet here we are, 70 years on the throne.

“It was perhaps felt that after seven decades of life on the throne, there should be more offered to mark this great achievement by the Queen.”