TWO borough councillors have spoken out and highlighted Thurrock Council's secretive and bullying practices against some councillors which they say are a threat to democracy.

Grays Labour councillor Martin Kerin and Tilbury's non-aligned independent councillor John Allen have both found themselves at odds with officers in recent days and believe their role on the authority is in danger of being suppressed.

Cllr Allen says he is fuming after being told the way he deals with residents in his ward is improper and that he should not be contacting them via Facebook, messenger and other social media platforms.

The council wanted to examine his council mobile device to check his calls and conversations – but he says he will now return it to the council and get his own.

Cllr Allen says: "Facebook and social media has played a big part of how I fulfil my role as a councillor for Tilbury and its good people.

"However, last week I received an email from council questioning my council phone bill! They have asked me to return my phone asap so the IT Department can check to see why I'm using the amount of data I'm currently using!

"They are saying that 2GB of data per month is enough to fulfil my role and that people should not be contacting me though Facebook, Messenger, or WhatsApp!

"I've come to the conclusion to save Thurrock council money I'm going to submit my council phone back to them on a permanent basis.

"I'm currently waiting for a new SIM card to arrive from Giffgaff so my number will be changing. I will keep the people I serve updated of any changes.

"The council says it operates a digital first policy but wants to stop its members interacting with the public by social media. That is another imposition on democracy and transparency by a council that is getting an ever growing reputation for secrecy and contempt for the borough's residents."

That concern about secrecy and contempt is shared by Cllr Kerin.

Thurrock Nub News recently reported on his anger after he was blocked from asking a question at next week's full council about a development scheme being considered by the council in his ward. (See story via red information button below).

Cllr Kerin appealed and made his concerns public and now the council say he can submit the question to the housing portfolio holder after all.

He says that is "a victory for democracy, openness and transparency."

Cllr Kerin continued: "I find it concerning that a question can be dismissed without a justifiable reason, and then simply reinstated without a plausible explanation.

"Thurrock Council have to accept that it is the duty of the opposition to hold the administration to account, and to speak up for our residents who have elected us to represent them.

"I hope that the council learn from this attempted stifling of questions, and move forward in an open and democratic way."