I never take it for granted that we live in a democracy where every single adult has the right to vote freely, fairly and in complete confidence.
Following on from our latest set of local elections here in Southend, I'd like to pay tribute to all those who stood as candidates. It takes an awful lot of effort and not a small amount of courage to put one's name on a public ballot paper and ask the electorate for its support.
I'd also like to thank all those who campaigned and delivered leaflets and everyone who helped count the ballot papers. Elections are a team effort and here in Southend with our Conservative supporters, we are blessed with the best of the best.
Naturally I was disappointed by the night’s results, but despite Labour making gains, they failed to unseat us in some of their key target wards.
If you look at the overall results, the Conservative vote across the city has proved to be robust, we saw only a modest swing to Labour, around half size of the swing last year, and we actually won more ward contests this year than we did last year.
It is particularly gratifying that we gained a seat in Shoeburyness.
We have listened to the voters and will be working doubly hard to unleash our City’s potential and make Southend and Leigh safer, healthier and wealthier for all.
