A MOTHER has slammed a Tory councillor for his response to her son's claim for a particular school place live on television.

Stephanie Watts, of Grays, has been denied a place at three of her preferred primary schools for her son Matthew, four.

She says the alternative school he has been accepted at is not local enough and would see her having to endure a lengthy journey each day.

Mrs Watts confronted cabinet portfolio holder for education Mike Revell about her situation outside the Thurrock Council offices in New Road, Grays - accompanied by a camera crew from ITV London news. But councillor Revell responded: "The problem is one I had when I was a parent."

Chief executive of Thurrock Council, Angie Ridgwell, later appeared in front of the cameras to present the council's case to millions of viewers.

She said: "If I was in this situation, I would be unhappy, but all children in the borough have been offered a primary school place."