Today marks the fortieth anniversary of the election of Margaret Thatcher as leader of the Conservative Party. Mrs Thatcher was the first female leader of any major British political party.

I am very pleased Essex Highways Service has received a commendation from Her Majesty’s Coastguard Service for allowing local Canvey based coastguard, Gary Foulger, time off to volunteer.

Rebecca Harris has added dog rescue to her many talents by reuniting hound with worried owner on the campaign trail this weekend. Why not join ‪#‎teamRebecca‬ by calling 01268 792992 ‪#‎hardworking‬

I recently visited Castle Opticians for my regular eye test and I would encourage all my residents to make sure they get their eyes checked regularly. Even if you are not aware of any problems you should have your eyes tested every 2 years.

This week I attended a British Heart Foundation event in parliament to call on the Government to guarantee the future of the science budget to protect lifesaving research. For every £1 charities spend directly on medical research, the Government pays 26p to help fund the indirect costs. The BHF is calling on the next government to maintain the current ring-fencing of the science budget and to commit to future increases.

Vice Chairman of members within the Canvey Island Independent Party, Tony Bensusan has resigned his position in protest at the Independents shock announcement that they will be joining forces with UKIP at the forthcoming General Election.

The first in a series of questions posed by the Echo in the run up to the General Election 2015. Who will Castle Point hand the keys for Number 10 to, David Cameron or Ed Miliband? ‪#‎twohorserace‬

Today is World Cancer Day. Cancer is an issue that will directly effect most of us in one way or another during our lives. I was proud to lend my support to the Men United Campaign at a reception in parliament last week. The new campaign aims to ‘keep friendships alive’ by encouraging men to see their mates more and do something great together to help beat prostate cancer. The campaign launch coincides with a recent YouGov survey of over 2,000 men, conducted on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK, which revealed that 84 per cent of men believe that spending time with their mates is good for their health and well-being.

Yesterday I held a meeting in Castle Point with the flooding Minister, Dan Rogerson MP and representatives from the insurance industry, including the Managing Director of underwriting for AxA, the General Insurance Manager of the Association of British Insurers, and the Executive Director of the British Insurance Brokers Association.

Yesterday I took part in a live debate on BBC Radio 1's newsbeat program about youth engagement with twelve 18-24 year olds, and Radio 1 featured artist George the Poet.