THE son of Southend’s most prominent businessmen is set to stand for election.

James Miller, 38, a director of Stockvale, owners of Adventure Island, and son of Philip Miller MBE, executive chairman of the the firm is set to stand as a Labour candidate for the Thorpe ward in the 2020 council election.

He made the announcement on a Facebook page set up ahead of any potential election campaign.

He posted: “Humbled and honoured to be selected as the new Thorpe Labour candidate for the elections in 2020.

“I have been in business for over 20 years and will be looking to bring that knowledge and experience into the council if the residents of Thorpe put their faith in me.

“Southend is a wonderful town, and Thorpe a beautiful place to live; however, there remains a number of challenges that need to be resolved: the imminent transfer of the stroke unit from Southend Hospital to Basildon; drug related crime; the unnecessary demise of the high street; mental health of the young; the lack of an entrepreneurial culture in order to create jobs; to name but a few.

“So there is much to do and I cannot wait to be involved.

“To win Thorpe as much support as possible will be needed, and I would therefore be delighted to share the company of anybody that wishes to join the campaign.”

Thorpe is held by the Independent party with the party holding three seats in the ward.

A LinkedIn profile for the potential election candidate states Mr Miller, from Great Wakering, was educated at the University of Greenwich.

The business director received a bachelor of business degree and a masters degree in business administration.

During this year’s borough election in Thorpe Ron Woodley, Independent council leader, took the seat with 2,232 votes, meaning the party took hold of the ward.

Mr Miller was contacted for further comment.