THE chairman of a community group has announced he will be running in the Canvey East ward by-election as an independent candidate.

Voters in Canvey East go to the polls on October 30 to elect a replacement for Gail Barton, who was sacked in June for failing to show up for a single meeting in eight months.

Colin Letchford, 67, of Maurice Road, Canvey, who heads up Friends of Concord Beach, said: “I’m standing because I think the people of Canvey deserve better.

“Currently, there is only one islander on the cabinet and I think Canvey is unfairly represented.

“I became interested in local politics after becoming involved with Concord Beach and now the majority of that work has been completed, I feel I can stand.”

Mr Letchford will be up against Labour’s Jackie Reilly, the Conservative’s Chas Mumford and Canvey Island Independent Partymember John Payne.

The by-election result will not affect the balance of power on the council, which is run by the Tory group, as a minority administration.

The Conservatives have 20 councillors, just enough to carry its policies, even if the 15 Canvey Independents and five Ukip members join forces to oppose it. The Independents hold 15 of Canvey’s 16 seats on Castle Point Council.