YOU may not have heard of Kevin Wheeler. He was the UKIP candidate for Chadwell St Mary in 2014. He gained 909 votes in Chadwell back in May 2014. 39% of the vote.
It was close but no cigar for Kevin as he lost by 110 votes to notable Labour campaigner, Barbara Rice.
Of course, our theory is that May 2014 was the apex for UKIP and they shall not reach such heady peaks again.
Kevin has gone onto Ockendon, which may be seen as a reward. If that is the case, then does UKIP think it can win here? The candidate is Russell Cherry. Russell stood in West Thurrock back in the autumn and lost.
He is clearly keen and has been one of their most dedicated campaigners. He did say recently, that "Everything is about immigration." which is interesting.
As for Labour’s candidate. As lovely a person as Sue Shinnick is, we just wondered if being Lynn Worrall’s mate is the best qualification for being a councillor?
That is probably a little harsh. People like Sue are loyal campaigners and activists, knocking on doors, supporting their party whilst as a councillor Sue will no doubt be also be dealing with casework that we never see.
At the same time, Gerard and Barbara Rice are fierce campaigners, anyone who has gone door to door with Barbara can attest to that and we would find it hard to believe they will leave any stone, any vote unturned or unmasked.
They should also be able to garner a lot of good will from the campaigning they helped with regarding the Orsett Heath planning application.
Verdict: Lab hold.
Chadwell St. Mary
CHERRY Russell, UKIP
DOVE Lee, Conservative
SHINNICK Susan Joyce, Labour
