THURROCK Conservatives launched a blistering attack on their Labour rivals this morning - accusing them of chasing news headlines and then ended up red-faced as the council sent out a self-promoting release about something that didn't happen!

In the wake of last night's full council meeting and budget setting (see full report) Conservative press spokesperson Luke Spillman was quick off the mark to denounce Labour for voted against the budget proposals.

Thurrock Council Leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill added: "Unfortunately the Labour Party showed their true colours, headline chasing instead of supporting front line Covid staff. By voting how they did, they were prepared to take away over £2,000,000 of funding from front line workers, who we all appreciate, are working in the social care industry during a once-in-a-hundred-year pandemic."

However, the council then followed up with a release promoting their achievement in the world of enforcement, championing their achievements in issuing more than 5,600 fines to people for dropping litter and other antisocial activities.

The release quoted Cllr Gledhill as saying: "This report clearly sets out the many achievements and strengths of our enforcement services."

The only problem is Cllr Gledhill didn't speak at the meeting – or deliver his report as the Tories brought down a time limit on debate last night in what appeared to be a calculated plan to stop them coming under any criticism in the last pre-election council meeting.

When it was reported that this 'headline-chasing' release wasn't true the council quickly withdrew the release and said it had been issued because of a 'system error'.

The original Tory release about last night's meeting is here in full: "Last night (Wednesday, 24 February) the Thurrock Conservatives delivered over £2,000,000 in investment into supporting care workers. At the same time, the Thurrock Labour Party were doing everything within their power to stop this additional funding for Adult Social Care.

"Deputy council leader & portfolio holder for finance, Cllr Shane Hebb said: 'Everyone is aware how difficult the last year has been due to a once in a hundred year event that is the Covid pandemic. These are services which residents wake up and worry about, as they are services that are provided to either ourselves, or our families.

'The extra funding for Adult Social Care means that the budget will increase by 8%, so we can ensure the best possible homecare, residential care for older people, and address the increased demand for complex care, in the middle of an adult-centric, once-in-a-hundred-year pandemic.

"Thurrock Council leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill added: 'Unfortunately the Labour Party showed their true colours this evening, headline chasing instead of supporting front line Covid staff. By voting how they did, they were prepared to take away over £2,000,000 of funding from front line workers, who we all appreciate, are working in the social care industry during a once-in-a-hundred-year pandemic.

'This reckless style of approach is what led to litter everywhere in the streets and uncut grass, like the last time they were in power. If they are ever in power again then they will be taking that same approach to the care service. Their dangerous and divisive politics are putting the lives and well-being of Thurrock residents at risk and we must make sure they never get the opportunity to hold the levers of power again'."