THE right-hand aide of Labour leader Ed Miliband will battle the Tories to be Thurrock’s next MP.

Polly Billington, a special adviser to Mr Miliband, was chosen to take on sitting Conservative MP Jackie Doyle-Price at a climactic showdown on Saturday.

The former BBC journalist defeated rival candidate Anne-Marie Waters following a vote held by Thurrock Labour members at St Thomas’ church hall in East Thurrock Road, Grays.

Ms Billington said she was delighted with the victory.

She added: “I’m determined to win back Thurrock for Labour and we have no time to lose.

“That’s why I’m out on the doorstep listening to people and letting them know Labour is here ready to make a difference.

“Thurrock is changing and we need to change with it.”

Ms Billington was chosen as Mr Miliband’s special adviser when he was Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change under Gordon Brown’s government.

She was also the media director of his successful Labour leadership bid.