UKIP MEP and Thurrock Councillor Tim Aker has hit out at the BBC ahead of their filming of popular debate show Question Tim in Grays tonight.

Mr Aker has accused the broadcaster of “letting down” Thurrock licence fee payers and preventing a “genuine local debate” after it was revealed no Ukip representative would be on the panel.

The topical show, which is hosted by David Dimbleby, will feature Conservative health secretary Jeremy Hunt MP, Labour leadership candidate Jeremy Corbyn MP, Anne McElvoy of The Economist, comedian Shappi Khorsandi and Douglas Murray of The Spectator.

Mr Aker said: "Ukip Thurrock is disappointed to be excluded from BBC Question Time. With 12 councillors, and having won the popular vote in the local elections for two years running and the European Elections last year, we feel a Ukip representative should be on the panel.

“Over fifteen thousand Thurrock residents voted Ukip at the general election and these voters do not have a voice on Thursday's panel.

“Only one side of the argument will be heard on the Greek eurozone referendum, the Calais migrant crisis and the Tunisian terror attacks. Locally, no voice will be heard to defend the Grays walk-in centre from closure, oppose the second Thames crossing or the over-development of our borough.

“The BBC have let down all of Thurrock's licence fee payers and have prevented a genuine local debate"