COLCHESTER'S Labour Party candidate had help from a Baroness in her bid to be the town's next MP.

Labour PPC Tina McKay hosted a mass canvass session for supporters this afternoon, welcoming Baroness Shami Chakrabarti CBE to the event.

Baroness Chakrabarti, who is a former chancellor of Essex University, said she has fond feelings for north Essex.

“I am trying to get to every constituency I can no matter the distance to support our great candidates like Tina.

“There is too much at stake and it is so tight. We have a reason to believe we can close the gap and we always do during the campaign. We have a great offer for people, for Essex and for the country.”

Braintree and Witham Times: Shami Chakrabarti and Tina McKay address activistsShami Chakrabarti and Tina McKay address activists

As of Wednesday, four of five tactical voting sites on tactical.vote are now backing Mrs McKay as the best bet to beat Conservative Will Quince.

Mrs McKay criticised Prime Minister Boris Johnson for visiting Colchester on Monday but only speaking to invited party members.

“You should come and speak to the people who your policies are affecting,” she said.

"We have been running an amazing campaign and it has been positive.

"I have said from the start I won't get involved in personal attacks with other candidates.

"Our message is about change and what we can do."

“Labour is the alternative to austerity, the hostile environment and the reduction in public services.

“I welcome the support of the tactical voting sites but I am a believer in giving people the information to let them make their own decisions.”

  • The other candidates in Colchester are: Mark Goacher (Green), Martin Goss (Lib Dem) and Will Quince (Con)