THURROCK Tories have added to the chorus of disapproval regarding Thurrock Labour campaigning in the ward of West Thurrock and South Stifford before the funeral of their Labour colleague who recently passed away.
Thurrock Conservative leader, Rob Gledhill, who paid tribute to Andy Smith after he died suddenly, said: "We are extremely disappointed by Labour’s decision to deliver political literature before the funeral of their colleague.
"Last year Labour incorrectly accused us, in the press, of canvassing in Stifford Clays before Diana Hale’s funeral, but are more than happy to do similar in West Thurrock.
"I had spoken to the Labour Leader and we agreed we would not be politically active in the area until after the funeral.
"Labour-run council hasn’t even published the seat becoming vacant yet but are happy to name their candidate and attack other parties in this piece of literature.
"There is an unwritten rule that this type of activity does not take place before the funeral and to try to say it is solely a tribute to Andy Smith is a feeble attempt to justify their actions and breaking their word".
