Last Saturday was Small Business Saturday and Rebecca took the opportunity to promote many of the superb small businesses we have in Castle Point.

Small Business Saturday is where we celebrate and support Britain's brilliant small businesses.

Encouraging everyone to shop local and eat local in our independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, Rebecca highlighted the importance of keeping these businesses thriving with every pound spent. She emphasised the incredibly hard work that these businesses put in to make our high streets such welcoming places.

Labour have hit small businesses hard. The increases in the Jobs Tax and energy bills have hurt our high streets and town centres, with pubs and shops having seen their business rates bills more than double.

The Conservative Party on the other hand will always stand with small businesses - the only Party committed to abolishing business rates for thousands of small and high street businesses.

Only the Conservatives, under new leadership, will back business to deliver a stronger economy.

Commenting, Rebecca stated: "If you are doing any festive shopping, please pop into our local stores first.

"You will find great gifts, great food and friendly faces who really value your support.

"Thank you to all our fantastic small business owners and staff for everything you do in our community."