A FORMER Labour Thurrock councillor has announced he has joined the Conservative party, just a couple of weeks after losing his seat in the Aveley and Uplands ward to Reform UK.

Srikanth Panjala says the move was caused by political division and hatred within Labour.

Mr Panjala won the seat for Labour in 2022 after losing out there in the 2021 election.

In 2022 Mr Panjala beat Tory David Day by a narrow margin, 877 to 857, but while his personal vote stood up well on May 7, he was swept away by a Reform tidal wave.

Announcing his resignation, Mr Panjala Said: "I joined politics for positive change, not to be a victim of political division and hatred. Despite my political affiliation, I always got support from Conservative councillors and am pleased to become a Conservative members today.

"The Conservative Party is inclusive, supportive and progressive. I will utilise my knowledge and expertise to help and support Thurrock communities."

Welcoming Mr Panjala into the Conservatives, West Thurrock Cllr Qaisar Abbas said: "We are pleased to welcome Srikanth into the Conservative Party. He has made positive contribution in politics and also to the Thurrock Neighbourhood watch.

Srikanth Panjala (left) with Qaisar Abbas.

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"He brings knowledge and experience. We are good in supporting people and delivering promises.We always place residents, communities and local businesses first."

Essex Conservative Party Chair, Craig Rimmer, and Basildon and Thurrock Conservative Party Chair, Yetunde Adeshile, issued a joint statement and said: "We are happy to welcome another new member into the Conservative Party and also anyone else who feels let down by other political parties.

"We are a party who can be trusted to deliver for Thurrock."

Cllr Abbas joined the Conservatives after being deselected by Labour in February 2022, retaining the West West Thurrock he had originally won for Labour.

Though he had clearly been willing to stand to represent Labour, as he has done since winning the seat in 2019, Cllr Abbas then turned on the Labour group, accusing it of being "riddled with bullying, discrimination, Islamophobia and nepotism".

He repeated that allegation today saying: "Thurrock Labour has history of councillors, former councillors and long standing members resigning alleging, racism, discrimination and nepotism within Thurrock Labour Party. "

And a statement from The Conservatives added: "The Conservative Party continues to attract members from across the whole community who are committed to delivering practical solutions, supporting local communities and ensuring a stronger future for Thurrock residents."