I AM amused by the faux indignation exhibited by Polly Billington regarding her outrage that her letter to a Government Minister was answered by a “faceless civil servant”.

I understand Ms Billington used to work in a Government department and, as such, she would know civil servants always respond to letters from members of the public. Ministerial replies are restricted to people who are elected to represent their communities.

Her outrage is, therefore, very much misplaced. In the absence of an electoral mandate, she has no authority to speak for the people of Thurrock, and she should cease the pretence that she does.

It surprises me she did not wait for the formal reply to the council, considering conversations to correct the budget calculation have previously taken place with Health England.

Given that Thurrock Council has already passed a motion on the issue of the public health budget, with full Conservative support, I only assume her reason for the press release was to try and gain political coverage while waiting the formal reply to the actions of Thurrock’s elected members.

I would remind Ms Billington Thurrock is represented by Conservative MPs who passionately fight our corner when it comes to health issues.

Labour, on the other hand, have repeatedly shown they are more interested in playing party politics than getting better outcomes for Thurrock.

I am sure many Thurrock residents find this disappointing.

CLLR ROB GLEDHILL Deputy Leader, Thurrock Conservative Group.