Labour has selected former council leader and previous election candidate as their hopeful for the next General Election in Thurrock.

John Kent, who narrowly lost to Jackie Doyle-Price by 345 votes in the 2017 Snap General Election, has been called forward again to see if he can win the seat this time round.

Kent, who works and has lived in Grays fro 20 years, has been involved in many local campaigns over the years, including the fight to save Orsett Hospital and the battle against another Thames crossing.

Mr Kent said: “This Conservative government has overseen the biggest cuts to our public services in a generation. 

“The NHS and social care are in crisis, our schools are struggling under the weight of budget cuts, and reductions to police spending are putting our safety at risk.

“People in Thurrock need a local representative who will put them first. I will work tirelessly between now and polling day - whenever that may be - to do what I can to always stand up for Thurrock and its residents, in contrast to a Conservative MP who is only interested in the privileged few.

“Thurrock is my home; it's where I live and where I work. I am proud to be Labour's candidate for the next General Election.”