'We'll put pressure on councils over Send'

Nigel Farage and James McMurdock will become Essex's first Reform UK MPs

Two newly elected politicians have said they be will be putting pressure on councils to improve access to special needs education.

Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, who was elected as MP for Clacton, Essex, and James McMurdock, who won in South Basildon and East Thurrock, Essex, said they would work together after hearing the concerns of families during their campaigns.

Essex County Council has been criticised for delays in assessing children for educational health care plans within 20 weeks, with some waiting over a year.

Mr Farage said: “We as MPs cannot directly affect special needs provision as that is a county council issue, but... [we can] go to Essex County Council and say what’s going on.”

'We will look at local issues'

Mr McMurdock said a big part of his election campaign had been listening to parents of children with special needs who have been struggling to get support.

He added: “Children of all different abilities should be able to get an education that works much better for them.”

When asked if this meant Reform UK would be tackling local issues, and not just focusing on national politics of immigration, Mr Farage said: “When I’m talking about immigration, I’m talking about the population explosion. Have a look at Essex’s roads, look at the lack of GP services. We are going to be MPs that look at local issues.”

Both will be sworn into Parliament over the coming days to take up their seats as MPs. The two politicians have had very different journeys into politics, with Mr McMurdock having never fought an election before.

Mr Farage referenced his colleague Lee Anderson, who was re-elected for Reform UK in Nottinghamshire, as being able to “hold their hands” in Westminster.

Mr McMurdock added: “I’m really looking forward to it. What an honour, what a privilege.”

The politicians met at a East Thurrock United football match in Corringham

The pair were speaking during a visit to Wyldecrest Sports Country Club in Corringham, part of Mr McMurdock’s new constituency, where they spoke to voters and posed for selfies.

The visit came less than 24 hours after Mr McMurdock had been elected as MP on Friday by just 98 votes following a full recount – the penultimate result in the general election.

His victory, just ahead of Labour candidate Jack Ferguson, also ended Stephen Metcalfe’s parliamentary career as he had served as the Conservative MP since 2010.

Speaking after the declaration, Mr Metcalfe said: “Obviously I’m very disappointed, but I’m proud of the 14 years service I’ve given.”

On advice for his successor, he added: “Be true to yourself, and remember that it is a great privilege and honour to be a member of Parliament and you are there to serve your constituents first and foremost.”