THE scandal over MPs’ expenses, Labour’s chances in the next general election and Basildon’s role in the economic resurgence of the country, were just some of the topics covered when a cabinet minister came to the town.

Douglas Alexander is the Secretary of State for International Development and responsible for promoting the country’s trade interests around the world.

He claimed the future of Basildon’s workers depends on growth throughout the globe and said it was vital to help developing countries grow to expand markets for workers in south Essex.

Mr Alexander was speaking ahead of the European and county elections being held this June, showing his support for Labour candidates in Essex.

He visited Basildon town centre, and spoke about the hundreds of jobs that have been axed in the area recently, including redundancies at Visteon and the New Holland tractor plant.

He claimed rising economies of developing countries would become new markets for goods made locally and help secure more jobs in the area.

Mr Alexander said: “We have a big shared interest in growing the markets and products that are produced in Basildon and surrounding areas.

“To get this economy moving again we need to be selling British exports around the world.

“Africa has around 900million people living there, and a lot of its countries could become buyers for products we make.

“So we have a shared interest because it’s not just the right thing to do, but a smart thing to do as well.”

Mr Alexander, 41, admitted the recent series of scandals over MPs’ expenses was deeply embarrassing and could prove costly for Labour and other political parties.

He said: “Of course we’re subject to headlines we don’t like to read at the moment. There’s no doubt there is real public anger, which is being exploited by parties like the BNP.

“My concern is the anger towards all politicians could result in support going to parties that have no place in British political life.

“I think when you explain to people what the BNP represents they reject it, so the way to counter that is to talk to the voters and discuss their concerns.”

Mr Alexander, the Labour Party’s election co-ordinator, admitted a general election would now be tough for a number of Labour MPs, including Basildon MP Angela Smith, whose election boundaries will mean her new constituency will take in more traditional Tory-voting areas such as Pitsea and lose Labour strongholds like Fryerns and Lee Chapel North.

But he insisted Mrs Smith’s efforts would be recognised by Basildon voters.

He said: “She’s been born and bred in Basildon and understands their concerns.

“There’s no one more dedicated than Angela Smith and I think that will stand her in stead with people who have voted for her before and people who haven’t had the chance to vote for her yet.

“There are always boundary changes between elections that affect different parties.”

Mr Alexander said voters in the next election would have to choose between the different parties’ approaches towards beating the recession, deciding on cutbacks or more borrowing and investment.

But whatever the verdict, Mr Alexander said Basildon would be a key seat in the general election, as it usually gave people an idea of which party would win.

He said: “For many years Basildon has been one of the seats people have watched on election night.

“In 1992, when we lost Basildon it was seen as being a reflection of the general election.

“But we’re working hard in Basildon and every seat to win support for Labour.”

The Paisley and Renfrewshire MP spent the afternoon out and about in Basildon town centre speaking to potential voters.