THE non-aligned councillors in Thurrock have issued a statement following news that coil leader John Kent is set to stand down.
Cllr Neil Speight, spokesperson for the Thurrock Non Political Alliance of Independent Councillors who represents Stanford West ward, said: “This is something of a landmark statement, coming as it does ahead of Thursday’s local election and I suspect there is much more going on within the Labour ranks that the release from Cllr Kent suggests.
“I have known and worked with John Kent as journalist for more than 20 years and as a fellow councillor since 2023.
“It’s fair to say we have become good friends, capable of setting our opinions and differences aside to continue that friendship because we respect each other’s views.
“That friendship will, I am sure, endure, and I am equally sure Cllr Kent will continue to serve the borough as best he can and I know he will remain an active and stalwart representative of all residents within his ward.
“It will be interesting to see how the political structure unfolds in the coming days. Members of the independent group have been deeply concerned about the integrity of some of the council senior leadership team’s decision-making and have a sense that the well-being and best interests of residents are not being served by the government, the commissioners and that our case has not been best pressed by those in the upper apex of power.
“I think Cllr Kent may well share those concerns and I look forward to seeing what, if anything, he has to say going forwards.”
