A MAN who built a business empire from childish beginnings in south Essex has been shortlisted as one of Essex Conservatives' three candidates to be the new regional mayor.

The Conservatives have been first to name a 'final' three for the party nomination to be the first mayor of Greater Essex and James 'Jimbo' Sinclair, who started his working life as a children's entertainer in Thurrock and built an array of businessesm including Partyman World in Basildon, that now generates £40 million per year.

After forging a successful career as clown and magician 'Jimbo' in Thurrock, East London-born Mr Sinclair formed his own talent agency, and then built a business which It includes leisure, childcare, outdoor attractions, commercial property, and arts and crafts manufacturing. James also owns a 500-year-old hotel and one of the UK's oldest ice cream companies, Rossi.

He will be up against two heavyweights in the Essex Conservative political ranks.

Louise McKinlay is the current Deputy Leader of Essex County Council. Louise has been in local government since 2004, when she was first elected to Brentwood Council, where she held various senior lead positions in Planning and Highways before going on to become Leader of the Council in 2009. She held this position for 10 years before stepping down in the summer of 2019.

In 2017, Louise was elected to Essex County Council for the Brentwood Hutton division. She was immediately promoted to Cabinet Member for Finance, before taking on the position of Cabinet Member for Children and Families and latterly the deputy leader role.

The third candidate is Essex Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Riger Hirst.

He was elected to the post on 5 May 2016, succeeding the previous incumbent, Nick Alston. He was re-elected in 2021 and 2024.

With powers over transport, crime, housing, skills and more, the new Mayor of Greater Essex will champion Essex and fight the county's corner in Westminster.

Senior Conservatives from across Essex met to interview and assess applicants, before drawing up the shortlist.

Over the next eight days, Conservative members from across Greater Essex, will grill the candidates in a series of in-person and online hustings – with the winner set to be revealed by the end of July.

Craig Rimmer, Essex Area Conservative Chairman said: "This is a massive job with huge responsibilities. So, we've shortlisted three top notch candidates who know our area, know the issues and are capable getting stuff done for local people.

"I've no doubt Essex will be in safe hands with whoever comes out on top."