Labour candidate Polly Billington has turned down Tim Aker's challenge to a filmed one-on-one debate on immigration.

Ms Billington, who is fighting to be Thurrock's next MP head-to-head with UKIP's Tim Aker and MP Jackie Doyle-Price said she wanted a debate on wider issues.

She added that MP Jackie Doyle-Price should also be invited.

Ms Billington wrote: "I'll always be happy to debate with Tim about the issues that matter most to residents in Thurrock including immigration. But UKIP shouldn't stop people asking questions on any issue they choose, be that immigration or the NHS, jobs or the cost of living."

"We need an open and democratic debate that involves everyone in Thurrock so they can raise any issue including UKIPs plans to privatise the NHS."

"As we have seen already, there is an appetite from local news outlets to host and chair an open debate and I'd be delighted to take part in events such as this. It's time for UKIP to take the concerns of Thurrock's residents seriously."

In response to Ms Billington turning down his invitation, Mr Aker said: "It is a shame that whilst Ms. Billington pretends to want to talk about immigration, she rejects a proper debate on the issue when offered one and would prefer only to speak to hand-picked audiences of Labour supporters rather than the people of Thurrock."

“The event will still take place, I will still attend and speak to the people of Thurrock about my views on immigration as I know this is important to them.

“If Ed Miliband’s candidate doesn’t have the courage to attend then an empty-chair will take her place. Local people can make their own minds up about her not turning up.”

As the battle for Thurrock voter's heartland warms up, the two contenders are going head to head against existing Conservative MP for Thurrock Jackie Doyle-Price .

UKIP are currently the bookies' favourite to take the seat, closely followed by Labour.

A Question Time-style debate including all parties will be organised by the Thurrock Gazette in April.

The Gazette will update readers on the place and date nearer the time.