Mr Mackinlay, 60, has been contemplating the decision for some time.

YourThurrock will be interviewing Mr MacKinlay tomorrow to reflect on his decision.

Tributes have been pouring in from all over the country and we will be reflecting that as well.

Speculation will also centre upon the next Labour candidate for Thurrock.

Was it evidence of the systemic breakdown of the proper policing culture in the Metropolitan Police? Was the covering up of collar numbers and the decision to cosh the bottom of the legs an official instruction at briefings?

Some have observed that there is a distinct contrast between the policing of the Tamil protests, disturbances at the Notting Hill Carnival with the G20. Were the police “letting out their frustrations?”

We also asked Andrew about the recent defection to the Labour Party of Council Leader, Terry Hipsey. Was this the one trick of a desperate failed coup or the slow unravelling of the Tory party?

Can Prime Minister Gordon Brown continue the momentum from the G20? Can the Chancellor Alastair Darling produce a Budget full of substance rather than style?

Times are tough. A recent vacancy for an usher at the Thameside Theatre saw 50 people apply for the post. A year ago, they would have been lucky to get 5.

South Basildon and East Thurrock MP calls for urgent talks with Council Leader over damning Audit Commission report.
MP Andrew Mackinlay slams a “hopelessly out of touch” Thurrock Council as well as demanding that Environment Agency has its backside kicked.

BOTH THURROCK MP’s have expressed their deep concern at the revelation by last week’s Audit Commission report that Thurrock Council is one of the worst performing councils in the country.
In a series of interviews back in their constituencies, Andrew Mackinlay and Angela Smith have both called for urgent action in the light of the report.

Andrew Mackinlay described the Council as “breathtakingly out of touch” as he demanded that the Council act swiftly to redress the criticisms detailed by the Audit Commission.

South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith has asked for urgent talks with beleaguered boss Terry Hipsey to assess what action is being taken.

It’s clear that at the highest level of government, the actions of the council are being watched to see if they are capable of pulling themselves out of the mire.

It’s also clear that Cllr Hipsey’s fellow Tories are looking for firm leadership and crisis management.

YourThurrock has asked several Tories for interviews on the crisis but they have stated that it has to come from the Leader.

Cllr Hipsey’s office have indicated that he is not available for interview until March 31st.

Tomorrow, YourThurrock will be assessing how “Out of Touch” the Conservative Councillors are.

The controversy regarding the rise to £1.50 has angered many motorists – and many Thurrock residents as well.