A THURROCK councillor has announced he has defected to join the Conservative party - just a few days after losing a nomination battle to restatnd as a Labour candidate.

Cllr Qaisar Abbas announced his switch after losing a local nomination battle when another candidate, long time Thurrock resident David Harris, was elected by five votes to three among the selection panel to stand for Labour in the West Thurrock and South Stifford ward.

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".

After joining the Conservatives he announced: "I will continue to fight for and protect the best interests of residents of Purfleet-on-Thames, West Thurrock and South Stifford and wider communities I have worked with over the years as a Conservative councillor.

"I am very disappointed with Labour party's decision but I wish to go on serving the local community of West Thurrock and the local Muslim community."

Conservative leader of the council, Cllr Rob Gledhill – who will be defending his own seat in Little Thurrock Rectory, greeted the arrival of Cllr Abbas in his party's ranks by saying: "This is great news for the Conservative Group and indeed for the residents of West Thurrock and South Stifford.

"Qaisar is well known as a hard working councillor for his residents and I know he will do all he can to retain his seat in May and continue that fantastic work."

In his election pledge to residents, Mr Harris says: "I have lived and worked in Thurrock for the past 40 years. As a Labour councillor, I promise that I will listen and be an advocate for all residents."

Labour group leader Cllr John Kent says: "Last weekend, Thurrock Labour Party selected their candidates for the local elections this May. Cllr Qaisar Abbas stood for re-selection but was not selected by party members. It is therefore surprising to see that someone who only last week wanted to re-stand as a Labour Councillor join the Conservative Party that is doing so much damage to Thurrock and to this country.

"Labour has every confidence in the candidate selected who will a bring fresh drive and commitment to the hardworking Labour team in Purfleet-on-Thames – West Thurrock and South Stifford.

"Thurrock Conservative Group is now more a resting place for lazy and mediocre local councillors trying to save their skins, than a political group!

"Qaisar has joined a group that has racked up £1.5 billion of debts with dodgy deals and failed investments, and led Thurrock Council to the brink of bankruptcy, while axing vital frontline services."