The owner of Marsh Farm has announced his plans to become the first Mayor of Greater Essex.

James Sinclair has joined deputy leader of Essex County Council, Louise McKinlay and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex Roger Hirst in the race to become the Conservative candidate for the first Mayor of Greater Essex.

Mr Sinclair's businesses include Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park in South Woodham Ferrers and Rossi's Ice Cream brand as well as Party Pieces, previously owned by the parents of the Princess of Wales.

He said: "I've built businesses, created jobs, and invested in this county for decades.

"Now I want to serve Essex in a new role — as its first Mayor, delivering for our communities with the same focus and determination. No matter what's going on with the politics of the day in Westminster, the values of rewarding hard work, enterprise and opportunity at the core of the Conservative Party are values I hold dear and that I think a Mayor of Essex needs to show in every decision they take.

"I am not going to put down other parties, but I won't hold back in speaking out and fighting against any policies that are bad for our county. We need better politics, not bitter politics."

The directly elected Mayor will have significant powers over strategic functions such as economic development, housing , infrastructure and transport. The elected Mayor will also serve as the Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner.

Mr Sinclair added: "As someone who has led economic investment, innovated in business and pioneered real outcomes in the economy for 20 years, I know what it takes to people, families, communities, and deliver real results. Essex needs leadership rooted in delivery, not ideology or the politics of protest."

The Government has confirmed that Greater Essex has 'passed the legal tests' and that devolution and work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority can proceed. The decision follows an eight-week consultation held between February and April, which saw a total of 4,070 responses from residents, business and partner organisations.

The Government's English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is set for a second reading in the House of Commons in September. Separate legislation to create the MCCA with then go through Parliament in in the autumn/winter.

The MCCA is set to be legally established in early 2026, with a Mayoral election scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 7.