A Reform candidate in an upcoming Thurrock by-election has come under fire over racist, misogynistic and offensive social media posts. Jason Mitchell, standing in the Grays Riverside by-election, has been slammed online and by the Thurrock Labour group after the historic Facebook posts – seen by the Local Democracy Service – emerged.

Despite assurances that things have improved and officers have been able to complete accounting reviews for the past year – Thurrock Council's accounts – going back to 2021 – have still not been signed off by external auditors.