One of the big three wards that may well decide who will take power after May 3rd.
Over the last few years, it has swung to and fro. Lab majority of 92 in 2006; Labour majority of 61 in 2007. A fine campaign by Danny Nicklen in 2008 saw the Tories win by 110. In 2010, Tory leader won by 29 and in 2011, Labour’s Phil Smith won by 36.
Looking back, you would have thought that the Tories would have won by a lot more in the election year when people were pretty fed up with Gordon Brown’s Labour. Maybe whatever the circumstances it will always be a close one.
Crime is clearly of real concern in Corringham. Last year, outside a polling station, voters told YT that they were really fed up by the lack of visibility by the police and their seeming reluctance to arrest offenders.
And on that subject, you may have though that “Winegate” may have reared its ugly head. It didn’t until outgoing cllr Danny Nicklen started campaigning for Tory Ben Gadsby and voters went: “Oh yeah. You!”
This year, the crime concerns, will be even worse as Essex Police have closed the station. Voters like their police stations. They have a certain symbolic value. The Thurrock Tories supported the closures.
But what must also been of real concern is the number of young people (16-24) neither in employment, education or training in Corringham. Standing in Corringham town centre on a wet Thursday afternoon, there was an astounding number of young people just hanging around.
This year, the crime concerns, will be even worse as Essex Police have closed the station. Voters like their police stations. They have a certain symbolic value. The Thurrock Tories supported the closures.
A new year, a new batch of candidates. Labour’s Richard Speight is standing for the third time. He lost in Orsett in 2010 and Homesteads in 2011.
Richard is one of a group of young, well-educated candidates that could really make a difference and raise the standard of councillor in the chamber and in the ward.
It is always a pleasure to discuss national issues with Richard. Whether he has the same hunger for local issues and therefore, an effective councillor, we will see.
The Tories also have a young Cambridge graduate. Ben was a candidate in West Thurrock and South Stifford last year. He ploughed a lonely furrow but did very well to attain 578 votes.
Ben Gadsby has refused to be interviewed for this election.
The other candidates are:
Natalie Butcher
Liberal Democrats
Roy Robert Jones
UK Independence Party
It will be interesting to see how Roy Jones gets on as he has polled over 450 votes in the last two elections.
YT interviewed Labour candidate in Corringham town centre.
And our prediction: Labour gain: 75
