A veteran local editor is to stand in next month’s General Election, vowing to “take the fight to the doorsteps of the elite.”

Nub News Thurrock editor Neil Speight was elected to Thurrock council as an independent in May 2023.

Now he is seeking to go one better and win a seat in Parliament.

Neil, pictured below at his local pub, is putting his name on the ballot to be elected MP for the constituency of South Basildon & East Thurrock, currently held by Conservative Stephen Metcalfe.

Neil set out his plans in an interview with rival title Your Thurrock.

He said: “We are going to take the fight to the doorsteps of the elite, the suits in the high castle, we are going to Parliament. I take great pleasure in trying to overcome what people say we cannot do.

“All the things I said a little over a year ago when I was elected to Thurrock Council, well they are all still true and I still believe them. But the problem is much bigger, and the only way I am going to continue putting my foot through the doors that have been shut in our face is to take this higher up the tree.”

“I am going to run for election again, but this time for Parliament – and now is not just the best opportunity, it’s the perfect one.”

He went on: “A little over 15 months ago I challenged myself to take on a Conservative councillor and supporters that showed a complete lack of contrition and who covered their ears and eyes as debt engulfed the Borough – as if it was the last days of Rome.

“It was quite a moment to savour to be the ward winner as the former Cabinet Member for Finance was carried out on his shield.”

“The people made the difference then, and we need all of them again, plus their family, the bowls club and the rest of the yoga group.

“Last year was the tip of the iceberg, getting someone to be accountable for the terrible deeds that were done with taxpayers’ money in Thurrock. Now it is about others accountable for continuing to lend support to what has been an appalling government,  literally and almost wilfully ruining people’s lives”.

More information about Neil’s candidature can be found at his website www.Neil4MP.com.