ONE of Thurrock's two remaining Labour councillors has condemned the defection of a former colleague to Conservative ranks.

Yesterday (Tuesday, 26 May) Thurrock Nub News reported on the decision of former Aveley Labour councillor Srikanth Panjala to change allegiance.

Today, Cllr Aaron Green said: "While Thurrock Labour has been doing the hard work to clean up the financial ruin left by the bankrupt Tories and protect community services like the Thameside Theatre, Srikanth Panjala chose to walk away.

"If he wants to align himself with the very Tories who crashed our council's finances, that's his choice.

"Our focus remains exactly where it should be holding the new Reform leadership's feet to the fire on their promises to lower council tax and delivering for the people of Thurrock."