ONE election candidate is guaranteed at least two extra votes this time around.

Due to the boundary changes, Angela Smith, who has held Basildon for Labour since 1997, will get her parents’ support for the first time.

Mrs Smith, 51, will be standing in the newly-created constituency of South Basildon and East Thurrock.

While she will lose the core voting stronghold of the town centre, she will pick up the support of Vange and Pitsea – where her parents live.

Mrs Smith was at her family home in Piercys, Pitsea, yesterday where her mum, Emily, and dad, Pat, are delighted they can finally cast a vote for their daughter at the ballot box.

Mrs Smith said: “One of the nicest things for me about this election is that for the first time my mum and dad in Pitsea can vote for me.

“They’ve even put up a posters for me at their house. I’ve always felt privileged to represent my home constituency and this has made it extra special for me.”

Pat Evans, 72, said he has always been proud of his daughter’s achievements, and has been lobbying friends and neighbours to secure their votes.

He said: “We could vote for her when she was a county councillor for Pitsea, and now we want to do what we can to keep her as an MP.

“I’ve been out delivering leaflets and I’ve had fairly good feedback, so hopefully the people of Pitsea will show their support.”