What a privilege it is to be standing as your Conservative candidate here in Belfairs – we all know this is the best place in Southend to live.

Full statement

With the election just around the corner, I wanted to let you know a bit more about me, and what is at stake.

I was born and raised in Southend. My first job was a programme seller at Roots Hall, before spending 10 years working in the local and national media – starting as a volunteer at Southend Hospital Radio, before working my way up to BBC Essex, the Daily Express and LBC Radio.

I now work and live locally, with my family and my rescue dog Sue. I care about Belfairs, and Southend. The issues that affect you, affect me and my family too.

If I am elected, I will always put you, your family and Belfairs first. I will also back common sense policies such as putting more police on our streets and protecting our parks and green spaces.

But for that to happen, I’m going to need your help.

Councillors from the left-wing Labour Party are currently in charge of Southend Borough Council. They are being kept in power because they have the support of Independent and Lib Dem councillors.

Despite the financial hardship many residents have faced due to the pandemic, these councillors all voted to raise your Council Tax by almost 4% this year (even the Labour-run Basildon Council froze Council Tax!)

They seem to care more about wasting your Council Tax, debating things like gender-neutral language, rather than delivering for local people.

That’s why, with your help, we can get the Council working for Belfairs again. We can end the wasteful spending of your Council Tax and put it to better use – like fixing local roads and pavements properly!

We can also get on with delivering our Covid-19 recovery plan and ensure Belfairs and Southend bounce back from the pandemic stronger.

It’s going to be close. We need just 62 extra votes to win back Belfairs, meaning your vote really could decide the outcome of this election and the future of our area.

As somebody who will always put Belfairs first, I do hope I can count on your support.

Keep safe.
Jack Warren