SOME notable faces were missing when Thurrock Labour announced its two candidates for the forthcoming Grays Town and Riverside ward by-elections.

The elections, for which a date has not yet been set, came about after the resignation of two Reform councillors just days after they were elected.

It was widely anticipated in local political circles that leading Labour figures from the last administration would stand in the two seats.

Former leader Lynn Worrall and her deputy Lee Watson put their names forward for the Town and Riverside wards respectively and attended interview panels – but were not selected.

Initially it is believed former Labour councillor Cathy Sisterson was one of the picks, but she later declined.

Today (Monday, 8 June) Labour have announced 'two 'local voices for Grays' with the following announcement: "Jo Potter for Grays Riverside has lived in the ward most of her life, brought up her children here and worked throughout her career in local organisations bringing people together across Thurrock.

"Amin Hoque For Grays Town has lived in the ward for the past 16 years and is raising his family here. A local businessman and well-known community activist.

"They aren't career politicians - they are deeply rooted neighbours ready to fight for you."

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The Conservatives have named two candidates – one of who is another disaffected former Labour councillor.

Srikanth Panjala, left, and Joglur Rahman will fight the two wards for the Tories.

Joglur Rahman will stand in Grays Town, while former Labour Aveley and Uplands councillor Srikanth Panjala, who recently announced he was quitting Labour to join the Tories, will stand in Grays Riverside.

Mr Panjala said he was quitting Labour because of political division and hatred within Labour. Things are clearly still awry within the local group, where Nub News has been told 16 members have resigned – and we were told to expect more.

Lee Watson (left) and Lynn Worrall

Among those said to have quit are former cabinet members Vicki Hartstean and Lynda Heath but also announcing they have left Labour are Ms Worrall and Mrs Watson, though they have declined to give their reasons other than they think change is needed in Thurrock.

Nub News contacted Labour East regional organiser Victoria Boot, whose office managed the selection process, but she said the party would have 'no further comment' after announcing its new candidates.