THE leader of Essex County Council has called on the new Prime Minister to develop an "industrial strategy" for the country.

Tory David Finch has written to Theresa May to congratulate her on her new role, but has also stressed the importance of ensuring local government plays a leading role in driving forward business opportunities provided by Brexit.

Mr Finch believes an industrial strategy is central to this, allowing businesses to expand into new markets and addressing issues such as productivity.

He said: “In Essex, as in other areas, we have seen sustained economic growth, but many of our communities don’t always feel that this is benefiting them.

“What’s important is making sure that we have a real focus on increasing productivity and skill levels within our own local communities who will feel the benefits.

“That is why I have written to the Prime Minister to offer our support in developing a new industrial strategy that could address our productivity challenges with a new business-led approach to commissioning skills training within local areas.

“This could also build on the work we have been doing over the past decade to build our relationship with the Jiangsu region in China.

"This has not only seen business link ups buts also an exchange of knowledge and experience, and this ability to open up new markets and trading partners is going to be vital in the years to come.”