MP Jackie Doyle Price has asked a key government body to consider a ‘name-change’ for her constituency after recent changes to Thurrock boundaries.

The Boundary Commission recently changed the edges of the South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency, which will lose some Basildon wards and gain part of Brentwood.

Ms Doyle-Price, who represents two thirds of the population of Thurrock, said it was time to “properly reflect the community I serve by finding a new name.”

She said: “The ‘Thurrock’ constituency name is a “historical hangover from the days when our MP represented the whole borough.”

“The interests of the communities at the west of the borough can often pull in different directions to those in the East as the debate on the Lower Thames crossing has shown.”

“Ultimately I cannot speak for the whole of Thurrock and there should not be an expectation that I do so."

She added: “Today I represent two thirds of the population of Thurrock and less than half the land.

“Given the need for more houses it seems likely that the population of Thurrock will continue to rise and over time the borough will need to be represented by two MPs.”

Ms Doyle-Price added some suggested alternative names for her constituency could include West Thurrock, Grays, Port of London or Tilbury, but her personal recommendation was to name it after the two postal districts she represents, Grays and South Ockendon.

The MP added people could have their say by writing to the Boundary Commission and putting forward their choices.