RECENTLY, two councils in Essex signed a memorandum of understanding that could see them work much close together.

This could be as part of a combined authority that could merge Basildon Council headed by Labour’s Gavin Callaghan and Thurrock Council headed by Tory Rob Gledhill.

As part of a recent interview, we spoke to Harlow Council leader, cllr Mark Ingall, whether he supported such mergers?

Basildon and Thurrock seem to be getting their metaphorical ducks in a row should there be plans for a South West unitary authority.

There has been talk of a similar one for West Essex. Labour councillors in Harlow don’t seem too keen but we still put the question to councillor Ingall.