NON-ALIGNED Independent candidates are hoping to make their mark at the upcoming elections.

The editor of a Thurrock news website is standing as an Independent, saying he has been “shocked at the lack of contrition” by the administration over the financial disaster.

Neil Speight, editor of Thurrock Nub News, will stand as a non-aligned Independent candidate for Stanford West in the elections on Thursday, May 4.

Asked how he would juggle roles as a councillor and journalist, Mr Speight said: “I will be retiring from journalism in the near future but in the interim I am confident I can be fair and honest doing both roles.

The seat is also being fought by incumbent Conservative councillor Shane Hebb and Labour candidate Philip Smith.

Fraser Massey is hoping to hang on to his seat in East Tilbury. Mr Massey says he will stand up for the protection of the green belt. He will also fight against plans to “surround our area with overhead power pylons” and fight for improved road safety.

He said: “I continue to strive for improvements to road safety. Some aspects are in place such as the speed safety camera, along with better signage will help to keep speeding down on the road near the school.”

Mr Massey is standing against Labour’s Alastair Craft and Conservative, Daryle Palmer.

Other non-aligned candidates are Craig Austin standing in Tilbury Riverside & Thurrock Park against Cici Manwa, Labour and Conservative Allen Mayes and Roy Jones standing in Stanford East & Corringham Town alongside John Cecil, Labour and Shane Ralph, Conservative.

 

An original version of this story appeared in the Thurrock Gazette print edition including inaccuracies. These inaccuracies have been corrected in the web version above and we apologise for any confusion caused.