Local Elections 2024: Results across Essex
In a big win of the day, Labour have taken control of Thurrock
Last updated 4th May 2024
Local election results are trickling in across the country today (May 3rd) after polling stations closed at 10pm last night.
In Essex, Labour have taken control of Thurrock Council, winning eight seats whilst the Conservatives lost ten. Independent candidates also gained two.
Thurrock's been run by the Tories for the past few years during a period of turbulence that saw the council declared effectively bankrupt in December 2022.
Labour ended up making a net gain of eight seats, enough for a clear majority.
In Harlow, Labour fell short of an overall majority, by the narrowest of margins.
The party ended up with 16 seats, just one behind the Conservatives on 17.
Sir Kier Starmer and his deputy Angela Rayner toured the Essex Town 24 hours before the polls opened, in a symbolic visit to a part of the country that will be a key battleground at the general election.
No overall party has taken control in Colchester City Council, however Labour did gain one seat, as well as Liberal Democrats.
Southend-on-Sea City Council also remains under no overall control, with Labour now the largest party at the Council with 20 seats.
The City Council was being run by the Conservatives as a minority administration.
Rochford District Council has no single party in overall control, with a third of their council up for election.
In the Castle Point Borough elections the People's Independent party have gained control.
There'd previously been no overall control there by any party, before they gained 8 seats from the Conservatives.
The Conservatives have lost Basildon, where no party has overall control now.
Labour and other independent parties took 6 seats each, while the conservatives lost 12.
Rishi Sunak's party have also lost control of Brentwood.
They lost a seat each to the Lib Dem's and Labour.
Epping Forest District Council has been retained by the Conservatives.
Police Fire and Crime Commissioner
Roger Hirst, has secured his position as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, clinching a third consecutive term, by 9,572 votes.
Hirst who represents the conservatives, campaigned on pledges to bolstered local policing efforts aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, alongside initiatives targeting knife crime, youth protection, and road safety.