FORMER leader of Thurrock Council, coun Andy Smith, is not about to quit the local political scene as some expected and has instead announced his intention to stand in the West Thurrock and South Stifford ward in next year's local elections.

Coun Smith seemed likely to stand down as an elected representative when he was deselected by Labour members in his Tilbury St Chads ward last month.

In what seemed like a final goodbye, the 56-year-old, who has been a councillor for 20 years, told the Gazette how much he had enjoyed his time representing the people of Thurrock and outlined some of his achievements during the past two decades.

But last week it was confirmed that coun Smith would not be stepping down next May but will instead be battling it out with current Tory ward councillor, Alan McInally for the West Thurrock and South Stifford seat.

Coun Smith was in the ward last week to show former Health minister, Claire Ward, around the new St Clements Health Centre, on London Road, which he helped to secure the funding for when he was leader of the council.

He said: "This is an important seat for us to win and I'll be working hard from now on to do just that." Ms Ward added: "I remember this project very well because Andy Smith worked tirelessly to get Government money to ensure St Clements Health Centre was built."