Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer made a visit to south Essex yesterday as he heard how the area had been impacted by Covid-19.
Sir Keir was shown around Basildon town centre and Grays.
It included stops at Ministry of Hair in Basildon and the Sandmartin pub in Chafford Hundred.
Sir Keir was welcomed to the town by Labour Basildon Council leader Gavin Callaghan as they spoke about the future of the town centre and support available for businesses post-lockdown.
Mr Callaghan said Basildon now has a plan for the future and a vision with works on the town centre’s regeneration ready to go post-Covid.
Sir Keir said: “Walking around Basildon town centre today, you see businesses, good businesses, closed down because of the restrictions and I think that’s heartbreaking.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer visits the Sandmartin pub where he met staff and discussed the effect of the lockdown. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire.
"The most important thing for businesses in Basildon and across Essex is to bridge those businesses out of the next few months so, having come this far, they can survive.
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“Having got businesses and people this far through the pandemic, we can’t let them go over a cliff edge now.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer visits a hairdressing salon in Basildon. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire.
Sir Keir and Mr Callaghan visited Ministry of Hair which has been closed throughout lockdown.
But some were critical of Sir Keir's visit which took place amidst tight lockdown rules.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in the centre of Basildon. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire.
Former Basildon Mayor, David Dadds said: “I don’t see how it’s a priority during a national lockdown why it was essential for him to travel to Basildon given the meeting could have been done via zoom and at another time when it was safe.
“On one hand Gavin Callaghan is saying stay at home and then doing unnecessary political photographs and activity when it is not essential.”
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