The Thurrock Independents party has announced that their Party Chairman, Allen Mayes, will be the candidate for the upcoming by-election in Ockendon.

Allen Mayes was born and raised in Thurrock, he also works in a Thurrock academy school.

Allen Mayes said: "I have years of experience working in education settings and I am passionate about helping young people succeed. I was born and raised in Thurrock.

"I believe Thurrock desperately needs Councillors who put the needs of Thurrock above the pursuit of power and personal gain.
 

"I will fight for the best interests of Thurrock residents rather than the ‘Punch and Judy’ of party politics we have seen from the other parties.

"I will make sure that Thurrock Council is putting people first and politics second. We must all work together to improve Thurrock for all.
 
"My priorities for Ockendon are tackling anti-social behaviour by pressuring the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner to send more police to South Ockendon.

"Pushing for Thurrock Council to use the powers available to create a better housing policy so that local people get more priority on when it comes to homes within the borough. I will fight for a new hospital for Thurrock, we are the only political party that supports a brand new hospital in Thurrock."

This comes after former UKIP councillor, Kevin Wheeler, who briefly joined TI when they originally formed, stood down as a councillor for Ockendon on February 1 this year.

A by-election will be held on Thursday, March 22.