Employment minister Tessa Jowell was drafted in by the Government to press the flesh in Laindon as election fever hots up.

Just hours before Theresa May hit the campaign trail, the Labour MP was out meeting residents in the key marginal ward.

The Tories needs to win three seats to leave Basildon Council without a party in overall control.

The Labour-held ward is seen as a key seat and could help swing tomorrow's election result.

As Mrs Jowell canvassed residents she admitted she was there to help win the seat for Labour. She said: "This is a key marginal ward that we want to win and I'm here to support our local candidate Wendy Aitkin and her efforts to do just that.

"This is a good council and I am confident the people of Basildon will show their confidence in it."

She claimed voter apathy and not the Tory party was the real obstacle to another Labour victory.

Mrs Jowell is the minister for employment, welfare to work and equal opportunities and chatted to residents about Laindon issues.

Vote my way - Tessa Jowell meets Ian McQuillan, centre, with John Potter

Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

Hopes for school - Theresa May, left, with Rebecca Bellchambers, four, and mum Pamela

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.