A FORMER councillor is looking to make a comeback and reclaim a seat on Thurrock Council so he can once again “put residents first.” reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
Neil Speight, who previously represented Stanford-le-Hope West, has announced he will stand as an independent candidate in Grays Town at the upcoming by-election.
Mr Speight served on the council during periods of intense financial and political pressure, especially as a result of Thurrock’s financial crisis in recent years.
He has often been a vocal critic of how the authority communicates with residents and challenges senior figures over transparency.
The vote, set for July 23, follows the resignations of two recently elected Reform UK councillors, Marc Stanley (Grays Town) and Joe Soper (Grays Riverside), who stepped down weeks after being elected.
Reform UK now currently holds 43 of the 49 seats on the council.
Mr Speight said: “I have a track record of supporting local residents in need and that will continue if I am elected and I will be a strong, independent local voice challenging the council on its performance, its finances and its direction.
“I don’t bring politics to the table – I bring local issues and need, which is what a local councillor should do.
“I say leave all the political fighting and dogma to Westminster.”
He has pledged to “put Grays and residents first” and to represent the interests of all residents, particularly older people.
Mr Speight ran for a seat for Stanford-le-Hope South in this year’s local elections on May 7 and secured 1,283 votes from residents, however he did not win a seat.
At the moment representing Grays Town is Reform councillors Milena Bingley and Michael Kevin Shakespeare.
Local issues in the area include filthy streets, piling rubbish and a need for regeneration which are expected to dominate candidates campaign.
The turnout will be watched closely by all parties to see if voters are still engaged after being called back to the polls so soon.
Perspective candidates have until Friday, June 26 to put themselves forward if they would like to run in this by-election.
