FORMER parliamentary candidate is calling for a fresh start within his party after its crushing defeat in last month’s election.

Mike Le-Surf, who stood as Labour’s candidate in South Basildon and East Thurrock, is backing Andy Burnham for his party’s leadership, and has written to supporters to ask for their views on the election.

He said: “In the early hours of May 8 we found out that Labour had failed to win the support and respect of residents across our part of the UK.

“I was proud of our campaigning in Thurrock and Basildon but we lost, and we lost badly. If Labour is to win again in south Essex, which I am sure we will, we need a brand new start.”

Mr Le-Surf will be meeting with deputy leadership candidates soon to discuss the issues for south Essex.

He added: “We have recruited thousands of new members to the party since the defeat and to be honest, many of them will be shocked to see how our party is run.

“I want these people, especially the younger members, to get fully involved and challenge the current set up. The coming year will be a difficult time for the Labour party, but if we do not reform and renew our commitment to the people of south Essex we won’t change a thing.”