Neil is an independent councillor on Thurrock Council, an award-winning editor and investigative journalist, a stalwart supporter of the south Essex community in general and a keen activist and campaigner on behalf of a varied array of local organisations and charities.

Full statement

He has lived and raised a family in Stanford-le-Hope, where he has lived for more than 20 years.

Neil says: "I was honoured and privileged to be elected to represent the Stanford West ward last year (Check out my ward councillor's page here) and during the past 12 months it has been immensely rewarding to help a significant number of local residents on personal issues, to help improve local facilities and services and to challenge the failings of the incumbent administration of Thurrock Council.

"There have been many high points in the past year and moments I will treasure when I have been able to make a difference to the lives of local people.

"At the same time there have been equally disappointing moments when bureaucracy, cold-heartedness or the lack of money caused by the council’s catastrophic financial failure have seen case work end in failure, residents left anguished and distressed and significant failures in the service offered by the council.

"However, the positives generally outweigh the negative and I have been honoured to win the nomination of council colleagues to play an increased role in the next civic year by taking the responsibility of chairing the overview and scrutiny committee looking at many services offered to residents involving health and housing among other things. I will be working hard to continue to make a positive difference and to serve on a number of other committees.

"In addition, I have been asked to take the role of spokesperson for seven fellow independent councillors on the council and we look forward to growing that number in the 2025 local elections. I have noted the return of six independent councillors in Basildon and I know they will be working hard within administration to improve the lot of local people.

"They, like my independent colleagues at Thurrock Council, are not restricted by political dogma and can judge each issue they come across on its merits, not needing to serve party interests.

"However, there are other challenges and opportunities where I can continue to support the residents of south Essex and I believe, in particular, that I can serve the residents of South Basildon and East Thurrock as MP – acting as an influential voice for your needs, working with industry, commerce, local organisations in the public and voluntary sector and making the area a better place to be.