Mr Mark Francois · Conservative and Unionist Party
East of England, England
: 76,576
Con held for 5 consecutive elections.
Mark Francois
Conservative and Unionist PartyThe Rt Hon Mr Mark Francois is the Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, and has been an MP continually since 7 June 2001. He currently undertakes the role of Shadow Minister (Defence).
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Sign up freeCoverage of Rayleigh and Wickford has been mixed for Mark across 40 recent articles.
Positive coverage
“Praise for charity group at south Essex church after raising £1 million” — Essex Echo
“Armed Forces minister 'hasn't been allowed to see defence investment plan'” — Yahoo News UK
Represented by Con since 2024. Covers Rayleigh, Wickford and Hockley and Hawkwell. Population 104,754. Recorded crime is 44% below the national average.
Children's play area temporarily CLOSED in south Essex over safety concerns
Essex Echo · 9 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£30,700
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£41,900
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
4,045
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
32
24 primary, 5 secondary, 3 other
Total Income Tax▼
£392m
from 53,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£3,170
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£7,400
per taxpayer / year
Source: HMRC Survey of Personal Incomes, tax year 2022-23. Allocated by taxpayer residence. Covers income tax only — excludes NI, VAT, and capital gains. Sample-based estimate (~8% confidence interval).
Attainment 8▼
43.0
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
64.7%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
2 large towns, 4 towns, 2 villages, rural areas — 95,927 total population
Source: ONS Built-Up Areas (Census 2021) + data.police.uk — crime rates are per 1,000 population (last 3 months)
Source: data.police.uk — street-level crime data aggregated from LSOA to constituency
13 councillors across 11 wards · Last elections: May 2024
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castledon Crouch | Conservative and Unionist Party | Alex Myers | May 2024 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Stuart Johns Allen | May 2024 | |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Terri Lilian Joan Sargent | May 2024 | |
| Downhall Rawreth | Liberal Democrats | Jim Cripps | May 2024 |
| Hawkwell East | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Mike Webb | May 2024 |
| Hawkwell West | Rochford District Residents | Ian Clive Wilson | May 2024 |
| Hockley | Rochford District Residents | Phil Capon | May 2024 |
| Hockley Ashingdon | Conservative and Unionist Party | Roger Paul Constable | May 2024 |
| Hullbridge | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Michael Hoy | May 2024 |
| Lodge | Liberal Democrats | Robert Milne | May 2024 |
| Sweyne Park Grange | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Lisa Jane Newport | May 2024 |
| Trinity | Liberal Democrats | Matt O'Leary | May 2024 |
| Wheatley | Liberal Democrats | Mike Sutton | May 2024 |
Source: DCLEAPIL v1.0 by Jason Leman, LEAP (Andrew Teale) & Democracy Club. CC BY-SA 4.0. Data last refreshed: 1 Apr 2026.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GEWon 2010 GE | Con | 17,756 | 37.0% |
| Ref | 12,135 | 25.3% | |
| Lab | 11,823 | 24.6% | |
| LD | 4,068 | 8.5% | |
| Green | 2,196 | 4.6% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GEWon 2010 GE | Con | 39,864 | 72.6% |
| Lab | 8,864 | 16.1% | |
| LD | 4,171 | 7.6% | |
| Green | 2,002 | 3.6% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2019 GEWon 2015 GEWon 2010 GE | Con | 36,914 | 66.7% |
| Lab | 13,464 | 24.3% | |
| Ind | 2,326 | 4.2% | |
| LD | 1,557 | 2.8% | |
| Green | 1,062 | 1.9% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2019 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2010 GE | Con | 29,088 | 54.7% |
| Ind | 11,858 | 22.3% | |
| Lab | 6,705 | 12.6% | |
| Ind | 2,418 | 4.5% | |
| LD | 1,622 | 3.0% | |
| Green | 1,529 | 2.9% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2024 GEWon 2019 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 30,257 | 57.8% |
| LD | 7,919 | 15.1% | |
| Lab | 7,577 | 14.5% | |
| Ind | 2,219 | 4.2% | |
| Ind | 2,211 | 4.2% | |
| Ind | 2,160 | 4.1% |
Mark Francois has not appeared in national political news coverage tracked by our system. This is common for backbench MPs who focus on constituency-level work rather than national policy debates.
7 articles hidden as not sufficiently relevant to this constituency
A children's play area at John Fisher Recreation Ground in Rayleigh has been temporarily closed due to faulty equipment posing a health and safety risk. Rayleigh Town Council is working to complete repairs and reopen the facility as quickly as possible.
A 16-year-old from Wickford was arrested after allegedly setting a dog on three cats, killing them, and using catapults to harm animals in March and April. He has been released on bail with strict conditions including restrictions on dog possession and movement in specific Wickford areas.
Three cars have been stolen in Rayleigh within one month, prompting concerns about a resurgence of organized vehicle crime similar to a previous large-scale operation. Rochford Council leader Danielle Belton has urged residents to take precautions and praised Essex Police's proactive response.
St Laurence Ward councillor Lydia Hyde has raised concerns about proposed changes to First Bus routes serving Southend and Rayleigh, particularly the potential scrapping of Route 20 which connects Southend, Hullbridge, and Rayleigh. The changes could impact hospital access, school transport, and connectivity for residents across the constituency, especially those in the north of Southend.
Penny Hefferan from Rayleigh completed a nine-mile charity walk along Southend seafront to raise over £2,800 for Guide Dogs, the organisation that supports her with severe sight loss. The walk showcased community support and highlighted the importance of services enabling people with sight loss to live independently.
A woman was targeted by criminals using fake police sirens on the A127 in Wickford, who attempted to box her in her car. The incident has been reported to Essex Police, who are appealing for dashcam or CCTV footage to help identify those responsible.
Two men were arrested following a disturbance at Paul Pry Pub on Rayleigh High Road on Easter Sunday, with police investigating assault and criminal damage allegations. Local councillors expressed disappointment at the incident but stressed it was isolated and untypical of the generally safe and family-oriented venue.
Two men were arrested following an assault and criminal damage incident at the Paul Pry Public House in Rayleigh on Sunday evening. The incident involved actual bodily harm and resulted in both suspects being taken into custody pending investigation.
A man was seriously injured in a fight outside The Whalebone Inn in South Woodham Ferrers (Old Wickford Road) in the early hours of Saturday morning. Essex Police are investigating and seeking a second man who fled the scene in a blue BMW.
Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, has praised the Friends of Holy Trinity charity group for raising £1 million to maintain Rayleigh's historic church over 29 years. The MP presented certificates to retiring volunteers and the chairman at the group's 2026 AGM, highlighting the community's commitment to preserving the parish church.
Darren Ryan, a former detective with PTSD, is undertaking a 16-day charity walk through south Essex (including areas near Rayleigh) to raise funds for South East and Central Essex Mind and promote mental health awareness. The walk, sponsored by local businesses including Rayleigh CrossFit, aims to reduce stigma around PTSD and support children's mental health services across the region.
Police responded to reports of trespassers on railway tracks at Rayleigh station on March 30, following social media concerns from residents about teenagers on the tracks. No individuals were found when officers arrived at the scene.
A local restaurant review of Manzano Lounge on Rayleigh High Street, which has been operating for a year and offers all-day brunch, meals, and cocktails. The venue has become popular with residents for its diverse menu catering to various dietary preferences and its welcoming atmosphere.
Penny Hefferan, a Rayleigh resident and Guide Dogs employee, will undertake a 9-mile walk along Southend seafront using a long cane to raise funds for the charity and honour a deceased colleague. The walk represents a significant personal milestone in her vision rehabilitation journey following her guide dog's retirement.
Hullbridge residents rallied to clear debris from the River Crouch riverbank after swans developed bumblefoot infections from stepping on rough surfaces. South Essex Wildlife Hospital led the effort, clearing five tonnes of rubble in under two hours with community support.
An air ambulance was dispatched to a serious single-vehicle collision on the A130 near Wickford in south Essex, resulting in one person being hospitalised. Emergency services including police, ambulance, and fire attended the scene, with the southbound road closed near Rettendon junction.
A Chicking restaurant franchise has opened in Wickford on March 23, bringing new dining options to the town. The opening has generated positive local interest and community engagement on social media.
A new GP surgery will open in Hullbridge as part of the High Elms housing development, following approval by Rochford District Council after a petition signed by over 1,000 residents. The expansion addresses capacity concerns at Riverside Medical Centre and aims to improve clinical services for the growing population.
A traffic collision on the A129 High Road in Rayleigh town centre near the Paul Pry pub has partially blocked the road and caused significant congestion in both directions. Traffic queues are stretching back through the town centre affecting multiple routes including Websters Way.
Britain's Armed Forces minister Al Carns has allegedly been blocked from viewing the government's delayed defence investment plan by Defence Secretary John Healey, according to MPs including Mark Francois (the shadow Armed Forces minister for Rayleigh and Wickford). The incident highlights chaos within the government's defence planning and broader concerns about military readiness during multiple global conflicts.
Two play areas in south Essex, including Wick Country Park in Wickford, are set to reopen in April after extensive refurbishment following safety concerns. Wick Country Park received £75,000 in investment after being branded 'dangerous' due to rotting wood, with Basildon Council committing to restore these vital community spaces.
Lisa Liegelios, a 28-year-old from Rayleigh who runs a car repair business in Wickford, has built a following of 165,000 on social media by teaching car maintenance and repair skills. She is breaking barriers in the male-dominated automotive industry and plans to expand her online courses and in-person classes.
Wickford Town Council has agreed in principle with Basildon Council to transform the derelict police station on London Road into a civic centre, with £350,000 funding from Basildon Council. The project aims to bring the long-vacant building back into community use, housing council offices, local services, and commercial spaces.
A burst water pipe on Hullbridge Road in Hullbridge, Essex has caused a full road closure affecting bus services and local businesses. Essex and Suffolk Water is repairing the pipe and road surface, with the road expected to reopen by Thursday morning.
The number 20 First Bus service, which runs through Rayleigh and serves Southend Hospital and school children, faces potential scrapping as part of a county-wide bus service review. Essex County Council is also planning to cut funding for 41 bus services across Essex, with over 20 potentially affected by cuts or closure.
A fight broke out at Rayleigh Railway Station on the Greater Anglia line on 24 March, prompting a 999 call and attendance by three British Transport Police cars. Officers spoke to those involved and took no further action.
Rochford Council will introduce town rangers on Rayleigh High Street starting April 2024 as a three-month trial to combat escalating anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. The initiative aims to provide visible reassurance to businesses and residents, with evidence from other areas showing dramatic decreases in reported crime.
Hullbridge Road in south Essex has been closed immediately due to a burst water pipe requiring essential repairs, with disruption expected until the end of the week. Drivers are being diverted to alternative routes while Essex and Suffolk Water carries out the repair work.
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