The Chancellor's visit to Tilbury the day after the Budget shows that "Thurrock is the powerhouse of the South-East" MP Jackie Doyle-Price claimed today.

Chancellor George Osborne visited the new Travis Perkins distribution centre site in Dock Road, Tilbury, to welcome 4,000 new UK construction jobs, with hundreds set to be created in the south Essex area over the next four years.

It followed his Budget announcement on Wednesday, which pledged handouts to savers and first-time buyers as he declared Britain could finally “walk tall again” after the years of austerity.

Mr Osborne, speaking at the Travis Perkins site, said: “When I have presented the budget I always think where is the best place to go to reflect what is happening in the British economy, and there is no better place than Tilbury.

“Jobs are being created, the economy is strong, Britain is back on track. The budget is going to continue the developing success, where family’s incomes are starting to rise, living standards are growing and jobs are being created."

He toured the Travis Perkins site, flanked by member of local and national media, Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price and members of Travis Perkins management.

MP Jackie Doyle-Price said: “One year ago I stood with the Chancellor on the roof of the Container terminal, while Perry Glading outlined the Port of Tilbury’s plans for the London Distribution Park. A year later, he visited Travis Perkins new facility at the Distribution Park, due to open in July creating 300 new jobs.

"It shows how dynamic our local economy is, and how many jobs are being created. Thurrock is the powerhouse of South Essex, and the economic potential knows no limits.

"George Osborne understands that you get more bang for your buck when you invest in Essex."