TWO south Essex MPs backed new laws to required photo identification when voting.

South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe and Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois both voted for the Government’s Elections Bill on Monday.

Voters will be required to show an approved form of photographic identification before collecting their ballot paper to vote in a polling station, according to measures contained in the Elections Bill.

It will apply across the UK in general elections and a free voter card will be available from councils for people without a suitable form of ID.

Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron and Rochford and Southend East MP James Duddridge did not vote.

Shadow communities minister Alex Norris said the evidence showed that in 2019 “you are more likely to have been struck by lightning three times than have voted after a phony voter”.

But communities minister Kemi Badenoch said: “I am disappointed but not surprised that the Opposition remains unable to see the necessity of this simple and proportionate protection for the integrity of our ballot.

The Bill received a third reading by 325 votes to 234, majority 91.

It will undergo further scrutiny in the House of Lords at a later stage.