In 2023 I was so angered by the lack of contrition from Thurrock Conservatives I stood against the portfolio holder for finance who led the authority into catastrophe. I was mocked by some for doing so. I won by over 100 votes, showing the value of honesty, transparency and integrity.

Why should people elect me?

People ask: “What can an independent do?” It’s a fair question. But a more relevant question is what has your MP done for you?

We’ve had 14 years of MPs who have turned a blind eye while Thurrock Council went bust and Essex Council has chipped away control of Basildon to the leafy glades of rural Essex.

I’m not vested in propping up a rotten government. I will speak up for the people of our villages, towns and communities.

Rural bus services in Thurrock have been decimated - particularly hitting older people. No-one in high office spoke up for them!

In Basildon local input has been watered down. Public services are managed by county councillors who appear to see the borough as a dumping ground for toxic projects. It’s time to improve local representation!

MPs and the county’s Crime Commissioner constantly talk about more cops. Yet local folk live in fear in some communities and see a bobby on the beat as rarely as a white Christmas. All we’ve had from politicians is consent to change, not challenge.

Local health services are appalling, led by highly-paid managers who couldn’t even run a bath. Who speaks up locally about the queues at our hospitals, health centres, surgeries, and dentists? I will!

A vote for an independent isn’t wasted. It’s a vote for change and someone who will put the best interests of you and your family first.

In our constituency

To bring honesty, integrity and decency back to local governance in Basildon and Thurrock. Residents in both communities deserve far better from their councillors, MPs and public servants and I believe that as the local MP I will be in a position to challenge with authority and hold them to account.