UKIP’s parliamentary candidate for Thurrock has accused his Labour rival of “deceit” and lying to voters.

A video posted online by the party claims a female voter in South Ockendon was told by Polly Billington that Mr Aker wants to shut down the NHS Grays walk-in centre on the High Street, a claim he refutes.

Ms Billington said Mr Aker’s remarks are “utterly untrue and without a shred of foundation”.

With just four weeks to go until voters go to the polls, the election campaign is gathering momentum in Thurrock.

Mr Aker said: “It seems that Ed Miliband’s candidate in Thurrock is increasingly desperate and somewhat confused, telling voters that she is from Aveley when she’s from London. I’m the only local candidate – Thurrock born and bred.

“Locals have also informed me that Labour, including their candidate herself, have claimed I want to shut Grays walk-in centre down. Back in the real world, it was of course myself and Ukip who led the campaign to keep the Grays walk-in open, meeting with the GP whilst Labour used the issue as another vanity photo opportunity.”

Mr Aker said the Labour campaign is “sinking to the gutter out of pure desperation” ahead of a highly anticipated public meeting with Ukip leader Nigel Farage in Purfleet on Monday.

He added: “The momentum is with UKIP in Thurrock and we’ll carry on our positive campaign based on strong border controls, leaving the EU and putting Thurrock families first for housing and school places.”

In response, Ms Billington said: “Tim Aker’s claims regarding my conversation while out on the doorstep campaigning for a Labour win in Thurrock are utterly untrue and without a shred of foundation.

“Under the Tory’s draconian cuts agenda they will not be able to protect NHS spending and it is services like the Thurrock Health Centre that will have to go – Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock Tory candidate) has already supported its closure. The Tories are hoping a backroom deal with Ukip will help them into government – Ukip will back them up every step of the way.

“In this election, the choice if clear – if you want a fair government that will protect the NHS then vote Labour. If you want to continue the fragmentation and privatisation of the NHS then vote Tory or Ukip.”