Matt Cortes PIP candidate for Thundersley
Hear from Matt Cortes on what he’s delivered for Castle Point — and what he’ll fight for at Essex County Council.
Read Matt's election statement
MATT CORTES PIP Candidate – Thundersley A STRONG, INFORMED VOICE FOR CASTLE POINT My interest in politics started early — studying Politics and Law gave me a clear understanding of how decisions are made, and more importantly, how they should be challenged. I believe local government works best when people step forward to make a difference — not just talk about it. DELIVERING LOCALLY — READY FOR COUNTY LEVEL Since being elected to Castle Point Borough Council in 2024, I’ve focused on one thing: standing up for residents and getting results  As a member of the Development Management Committee, I have consistently upheld my commitment to protect our Green Belt and resist inappropriate development  On the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, I played a leading role in challenging decisions and successfully pushed for streetlights to remain on throughout the night — improving safety and peace of mind for residents  I’ve been actively involved in multiple task and finish groups, tackling real issues from youth provision to tourism  As Chairman of the Economic Development Task Group, I’ve worked to support local growth and ensure Castle Point remains a place people want to live, visit, and invest in HOLDING DECISION-MAKERS TO ACCOUNT Scrutiny matters — especially at County level, where decisions affect:  Road maintenance and potholes  Public safety  Transport and infrastructure  Local investment I’ve already shown I’m willing to: ✔ Ask the difficult questions ✔ Challenge decisions that don’t make sense ✔ Push for practical solutions that benefit residents That’s exactly what’s needed at Essex County Council. PROTECTING OUR AREA — AND IMPROVING IT Like many residents, one of the reasons I chose to live in Castle Point was its green spaces and community feel. That’s why I’ve:  Supported a brownfield-first approach to development  Worked to protect our Green Belt  Backed initiatives that bring people together and strengthen our community I also helped secure a new permanent home for the Canvey Island Classic Car Club — supporting local groups, encouraging visitors, and boosting our local economy. WHY I’M STANDING FOR COUNTY COUNCIL Too often, decisions at County Hall are made without enough local challenge. I want to change that. I will:  Stand up for Castle Point residents  Challenge poor decisions and waste  Push for better roads, safer streets, and stronger local services  Ensure our community has a real voice at County level LOCAL. INDEPENDENT. FOCUSED ON RESULTS Castle Point deserves councillors who will speak up, scrutinise properly, and deliver. That’s what I’ve done locally — and what I will do at Essex County Council. VOTE MATT CORTES ON MAY 7th A strong voice for Thundersley South Standing up for Castle Point — every time
Local Government Reorganisation explained
ESSEX LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION (LGR) What’s changing — and why it matters to you WHAT IS LGR? Fewer councils. More power. Essex is moving from a two-tier system (County + Borough Councils) to a smaller number of large unitary councils that will run all local services. These will control: Roads & potholes Social care Planning Waste & environment WHY THIS MATTERS These changes will affect your: Local services Council tax Roads & infrastructure Local representation These decisions will shape Castle Point for years to come. YOUR VOTE WAS CANCELLED In 2025, the Essex County Council elections were cancelled, in agreement with the Conservative administration and the Labour Government. This meant: No public vote No fresh mandate During this time, major long-term decisions about Essex were pushed forward. TWO VERY DIFFERENT OPTIONS OPTION 1: 3 LARGE COUNCILS (Conservative-backed) Castle Point would have been merged with: Basildon Thurrock Rochford Southend RISKS: Decisions made further away Loss of Castle Point identity Greater financial risk from other areas Less accountability to residents OPTION 2: 5 LOCAL COUNCILS (PIP-backed) Castle Point would join: Rochford Southend BENEFITS: Decisions closer to local people Protects Castle Point’s identity Lower financial risk More manageable, local governance Better reflects our communities WHERE WE ARE NOW The Government has confirmed it will move forward with the 5-unitary model. This is the approach supported by PIP. ONGOING CONCERNS The Conservative leadership at Essex County Council has indicated it may take legal action to try to force the 3-unitary model. WHAT THIS MEANS These decisions are not fully settled. Castle Point still needs strong local representation to ensure our voice is heard. PIP POSITION Keep decisions local Protect Castle Point’s identity Avoid unnecessary financial risk Put residents before party politics IN SIMPLE TERMS 3-unitary model: Bigger councils Decisions further away Higher risk 5-unitary model: More local councils Decisions closer to you Better accountability The future of Castle Point should be decided by the people who live here — not imposed from above.