FORMER Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls visited Pitsea before the expected launch of his campaign to lead the Labour Party.

Mr Balls visited St Gabriel’s Youth and Community Centre Pre-School, off Rectory Road, Pitsea, this morning, where he chatted with local parent and joined in games with their children.

Labour’s former Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith, who lost her seat at the general election, said she would she would support Mr Balls’ bid to become party leader.