READERS, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year. So, what would I like for Christmas?

Well first off I would like to see a better performing Basildon Hospital. Basildon has let down too many of its patients in recent years.

Let’s hope the new management is able to deliver change and improvement throughout the hospital.

I would also like a new school for Chafford Hundred. Michael Gove will make his decision in the New Year. It has been great to see the community come together in pursuit of this and I hope all the effort will be rewarded.

I would like to see every child in Thurrock have the opportunity to attend a good school where they can fulfil their potential.

I want road infrastructure that works. Not a week goes by without Thurrock being gridlocked because of the closure of the Dartford Crossing, or because of an accident, or just because of traffic congestion.

The logistics capital of the country needs road infrastructure that works. So while I got my wish that the Government commits to funding and improving junction 30, I still need to keep fighting to keep our roads moving.

I also want the arguments for an airport in the estuary to be put to bed once and for all. The Thames is for ships not planes. It is about time Boris Johnson’s big idea was shown to be the pie in the sky that it is.

And I want everyone to be able to get a job. Youth unemployment is falling thanks to apprenticeships and more jobs being created. I want a society where everyone aspires to be the best they can be, where work pays and where welfare is a safety net that supports those who need it.

So these are at the top of my wish list – but really more of a ‘to do’ list. My New Year’s resolution is to continue to fight for all these things.

I hope when I look back this time next year, all will have been delivered.