DAVID Cameron praised businesses in Essex following a House of Commons question from Witham's MP Priti Patel.

The prime minister commended Essex's levels of private sector employment, entrepreneurialism and role in delivering the government's economic plan.

He said: "Where Essex leads, the rest of the country follows."

Mrs Patel had asked him to support new infrastructure and highlighted the importance Essex businesses have in supporting economic growth, job creation and exports. 

She said:  “I am glad that the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of businesses in my constituency, and across Essex.

"These comments will help in our campaign to get the much needed infrastructure to help promote further business growth, and to encourage local businesses to export nationally and globally.”