EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe has welcomed the announcement of a General Election, to be held on Thursday, 4 July and says he is looking forward to his campaign.

Mr Metcalfe, who has served as Conservative MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock for 14 years, says: "It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the people of South Basildon and East Thurrock as their Member of Parliament – a role which I hope to continue.

"Over the last 14 years, we've seen more than £1 billion invested in the constituency, we've seen 17 schools move up the Ofsted rankings, we've seen millions invested in facilities to bring healthcare closer to you, we've now got the highest police headcount in history, and we've seen thousands of people receive crucial cost-of-living support.

"In Parliament, we delivered Brexit – the biggest democratic decision ever taken – despite enormous resistance.

"Meanwhile, during the Covid pandemic, we delivered over £400 billion to support people across the country and delivered the fastest vaccine rollout in Europe.

"The last couple of years after the pandemic have not been easy, with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East causing uncertainty but we are now at a turning point. Inflation is down, the economy is growing, and we are cutting taxes for millions of working people.

"So, this election is the choice between certainty and uncertainty.

"The certainty that if I am re-elected, I will continue to work tirelessly for my constituents – representing their views at every level – and the certainty that if a Conservative Government is returned, it will take the bold action the country needs to secure its future in an uncertain world.

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"I am looking forward to fighting for you."