The number of jobs in Witham rose by more than 25 per cent last year.

Figures released from the Office of National Statistics show the number of jobs supported by businesses in the Witham constituency has risen by 26 per cent, nearly 6,200, from 24,123 to 30,308 in 2017.

Almost 80 per cent of all jobs are in small and medium sized enterprises.

Since 2010 the number of enterprises in the constituency has risen by 17 per cent, more than 600, from 3,685 to 4,305 in 2017.

MP for Witham, Priti Patel, said:“Essex is the county of entrepreneurs and I am pleased they have created over 6,000 local jobs in the Witham constituency during the last seven years.

"This is a phenomenal achievement and each new job created gives someone a source of income to support themselves and their family.”