LABOUR has announced its candidate to fight for the South Basildon and East Thurrock set. 

Jack Ferguson, who sits on Basildon Council, has been selected as Labour’s hopeful. 

He hopes to succeed Conservative Stephen Metcalfe.

Labour say he has experience across his career of working hard for people and communities facing adversity.

They add that he has been devoted to youth and community work supporting individuals to achieve their goals.

He also ran the London Marathon for the British Lung Foundation and during the pandemic he volunteered at the Pitsea Foodbank.

Jack says he is keen to champion and support those suffering from the housing crisis, long NHS waiting lists and the explosive rise in the cost-of-living.

Jack said: “I am thrilled to be chosen to stand for Labour in South Basildon and East Thurrock. I am from Basildon and have lived in Pitsea for the last five years.

“I also, however, see the challenges faced by the local community after 14 years of a disastrous Tory government which has done little to truly level up places like South Basildon and East Thurrock.

“I think it is important that the people of Basildon and Stanford-le-Hope have an opportunity to vote for a Labour candidate and to support the policies that will transform the local area and Britain.

“Only a Labour government can deliver the change that South Basildon and East Thurrock needs: getting the NHS back on its feet and taking back our streets to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

“I will give voice to the hard-working people of this community and fight to make sure that jobs and opportunities are brought back to South Basildon and East Thurrock.”

Other candidates confirmed to be battling out the South Basildon and East Thurrock include the current MP, Conservative Stephen Metcalfe. Elizabeth Grant is standing for the Green Party and Dave Thomas is standing for the Liberal Democrats.