Ed Miliband aide Polly Billington has today been selected as Labour’s candidate, for the marginal seat of Thurrock. The selection was not without controversy, although Billington is believed to have won the final vote of local party members comfortably (98 votes to 26), thanks to a sustained member contact drive. Speaking to LabourList after the selection, Billington said:
“I’m honoured to have been selected by the members of Thurrock Labour today. Thurrock Labour are a very wise and committed group of people who put Thurrock first. And that’s what I will be doing every day- putting Thurrock first.”
“Every time the local Tory MP votes for the government she votes against the people of Thurrock. Thurrock is really suffering from this Tory-led government, and we’re the ones who see the impact of a flatlining economy day in day out. It’s no wonder people fear for the future with a risk of recession and people losing their jobs. Thurrock needs to be at the heart of a strong economy and our community should be reaping the rewards of our hard work.”
“As the Labour candidate, I will be taking the fight to the Tories every day, starting from now. Taking the fight to the Tories on the economy on jobs, on housing and fighting to protect the services that we value such as the NHS.”
“I can’t wait to get started.”
Commiserations to the other shortlisted candidate, Ann-Marie Waters.
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