A REFORM UK candidate in an upcoming Thurrock by-election has come under fire over racist, misogynistic and offensive social media posts.

Jason Mitchell, standing in the Grays Riverside by-election, has been slammed online and by the Thurrock Labour group after the historic Facebook posts – seen by the Local Democracy Service – emerged.

The posts, dating back to 2013 and 2014, include derogatory remarks about women's appearances, opposition to same-sex marriage, the use of a racial slur, and offensive comments about people with disabilities.

In one post, Mr Mitchell used an expletive before writing that he "didn't realise I knew so many ugly women."

Reform UK has defended Mr Mitchell and says the posts are "from more than a decade ago" and said Mr Mitchell apologised for them.

Jo Potter, Labour's candidate for Grays Riverside, said: "As a mother of daughters and a Grays resident, I'm deeply worried by Jason Mitchell's Facebook posts and what they could mean for our community if he is elected.

"To be a councillor is an honour and a privilege.

"It means working together with our communities to deliver the change we need in Grays.

"Jason Mitchell must apologise for these posts, and Reform must show residents in Grays that they reject this kind of language by withdrawing their support for his campaign."

The by-election, set to take place on July 23, was triggered by the resignations of newly elected councillor Joe Soper, who stepped down just days after being elected

A by-election will also take place in neighbouring Grays Town ward following the resignation of another newly-elected candidate Marc Stanley.

Reform UK currently holds 43 of the 49 seats on the council.

Local Reform members including leader Cllr Richard Bingley have declined to comment, referring media to the national party.

A Reform UK spokesman said: "These posts were from over a decade ago. Jason has apologised for any offence caused."

Other candidates standing in Grays Riverside include Srikanth Panjala for the Conservatives and Pauline Weir for the Green Party.

In Grays Town, candidates are Amin Hoque (Labour), Simon Lancaster (Liberal Democrats), Rhea Nathan (Green), John Pearson (Reform UK), Joglur Rahman (Conservative), and Neil Speight (Independent).