The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury was welcomed to Southend by James on Thursday (12th May).
Helen Whately MP joined the Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East and Council officers for a tour of the High Street and seafront.
Southend is already benefiting from £19.9m of the Government's Levelling Up fund, which includes revamping the Cliffs Pavillion and improvements to our flood protection.
It comes as the Government urges local authorities to bid for the second round of Levelling Up funding.
Commenting, James said:
"It was great to welcome Helen to Southend and show how the UK's newest city is already benefiting from almost £20m over Levelling Up funding from the Government.
"During the Minister's visit, we also spoke about ways in which we could transform Southend High Street too."
