SOUTH Basildon MP Stephen Metcalfe has welcomed the announcement of a General Election, to be held on Thursday, 4 July and says he is looking forward to his campaign.

Mr Metcalfe, who has served as Conservative MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock for 14 years, says: "It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the people of South Basildon and East Thurrock as their Member of Parliament – a role which I hope to continue.

"Over the last 14 years, we've seen more than £1 billion invested in the constituency, we've seen 17 schools move up the Ofsted rankings, we've seen millions invested in facilities to bring healthcare closer to you, we've now got the highest police headcount in history, and we've seen thousands of people receive crucial cost-of-living support.

"In Parliament, we delivered Brexit – the biggest democratic decision ever taken – despite enormous resistance.

"Meanwhile, during the Covid pandemic, we delivered over £400 billion to support people across the country and delivered the fastest vaccine rollout in Europe.

"The last couple of years after the pandemic have not been easy, with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East causing uncertainty but we are now at a turning point. Inflation is down, the economy is growing, and we are cutting taxes for millions of working people.

"So, this election is the choice between certainty and uncertainty.

"The certainty that if I am re-elected, I will continue to work tirelessly for my constituents – representing their views at every level – and the certainty that if a Conservative Government is returned, it will take the bold action the country needs to secure its future in an uncertain world.

"I am looking forward to fighting for you."

John Baron, who was honoured with a CBE for Political and Public Service, after 23 years as an MP.

Meanwhile Basildon and Billericay MP John Baron, who is standing down, also put on a bullish front about the election, saying: "I commend the Prime Minister for his competence and compassion, as both Chancellor and Prime Minister."

"As Chancellor he implemented one of the most generous covid support schemes in the world, which protected millions of jobs and businesses, and stabilised the economy after a number of shocks, including Ukraine and the energy price rises."

"As Prime Minister he sensibly cancelled HS2 to fund other much-needed transport projects elsewhere, has taken steps to address the small boat crossings in the face of Labour and Liberal opposition, and has committed to increased defence spending."

"Meanwhile, the economy is performing well compared to many European economies with near-record employment, and an unemployment rate well below the EU average. He has also increased minimum wages above inflation, and protected the Triple Lock for pensioners."

"As I stand down, I wish the Prime Minister and all Conservatives well in this General Election. I continue to believe it will be a close result with the Prime Minister winning, and believe this will become more likely the more the electorate has the opportunity to compare him to Sir Keir Starmer and Labour's policy vacuum."

"Labour governments always run out of other people's money, and end with unemployment always being higher than when they entered office."