THURROCK Labour leader Cllr John Kent has delivered a new year's message for borough residents, promising

Cllr Kent says: "2024 promises to be a pivotal year for all of us in Thurrock.

"We will, almost certainly have a general election and the opportunity to deliver our verdict on a Conservative government that has done so much damage to our country, and - for those of us in the Thurrock constituency - the chance to elect the wonderful Jen Craft as Thurrock's next MP.

"Jen Craft is a young woman who cares passionately about Thurrock and will be a superb representative for us.

Jen Craft.

"There will also be a crucial set of local elections in May, and it's those elections I want to focus on.

"The Tories have run Thurrock Council for seven years, transforming it from a reasonably well-run local authority to a financial basket case, bankrupt, and with debts of around £1.3 billion - compared to £344 million in 2016.

"This means we now spend more on repaying our debts than on all other services combined. We also pay record levels of council tax for fewer services, with Tory Councillors looking for even more cuts, with all but most essential council services set to be axed.

"Since the news of this catastrophe broke last year, I have been surprised by the strength of local anger at Tory councillors.

"After last May's local election results, even the local Conservative MP had to admit: 'The people of Thurrock have decided they don't want the Conservatives to run the Council'.

"At this point, Tory Councillors could have done the honourable thing and resigned. Clearly ignorant to the MP's views and growing public outrage, they shamelessly clung to power for another year. However, in a few months, many will have to face the public, to defend their record, and to justify their actions.

"We cannot change this disgraceful episode, but we must learn from it. That's why we will continue to press government for a full and independent inquiry into what led to the financial collapse. We must get to the truth.  

"Nor can we escape the scale of this Tory catastrophe. Put simply, we will not be able to deliver the services we would all like to see, for many years to come.

"I promise you that if Labour succeeds in May, it will not be business as usual. From day one, we will re-establish competence, start to build a sound financial base, and prioritise openness, transparency, honesty, and straight-talking. We are determined to earn back your trust.

"We will ensure senior councillors, and officers, get out of the Civic Offices in Grays and hold regular open meetings across Thurrock, so residents can ask questions, get straight answers, and find out, first-hand, what's going on.

"As part of our fresh start preparations, we have listened to, and heard the views of thousands of people across Thurrock. Your demands are very reasonable. You want cost effective services, and a competent council that will prioritise the safety of our children, our elderly and most vulnerable.

"You want an end to eye-watering council tax increases Conservatives have used to punish local people for their toxic debts. You want basic council services sorted out - for example, the correct bin emptied on the right day, and the streets cleaned and kept clean.

"We are ready to make the changes necessary to give Thurrock the fresh start it needs, but we cannot do it alone. A Labour-run Council will work in genuine and meaningful ways with local residents, and local businesses.  

"I strongly believe that only by working together, can we successfully turn Thurrock around, make long lasting improvements, and ensure financial catastrophe never happens again.

"I always welcome the New Year with hope and optimism, but I know many still face tough times and a daily struggle to make ends meet, this makes me really angry, and even more determined to make the changes we need to deliver the fresh start Thurrock deserves."