Triumphant Tories today strengthened their stranglehold on the county by snatching control of three Essex councils, trouncing Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

In Castle Point, activists could hardly believe their eyes as seat after seat, held by Labour over the past eight years, fell to the Conservatives.

Counting a Labour calamity - the extent of the Tory landslide becomes clear as workers in Castle Point tot up the votes Picture: ROB BROWNE

The Tories also took Basildon and Chelmsford, increased their grip in Rochford and although losing one seat in Southend, they still boasted a healthy 13-seat majority.

Nationally, the Conservatives have gained more than 500 seats, Labour losses have topped 700 and the Liberal Democrats have made 150-plus gains.

The English local elections have also seen the far-right British National Party win 11 seats overall - including becoming Burnley's second largest party.

In Castle Point, in the most stunning of victories for the Tories, Labour supporters watched helplessly as they saw their four seat majority dwindle and then vanish.

Well known faces, including council leader Dave Wells and veteran member and former county councillor Tony Wright, lost their seats.

Also out went the current mayor Charles Smith to leave Labour with only two seats - both on Canvey - remaining against 39 out of 41 for the Tories.

Former Labour council leader Dave Wells said: "It has been a terrible night, I am totally gutted."

The Conservatives also took firm control of Basildon last night for the second time in the council's history.

In Southend, the Conservative administration will continue with a more than comfortable majority - although one seat was lost to the Liberal Democrats in St Laurence ward and independent Martin Terry took Westborough from Labour.

Labour strength was also reduced in Rochford with the loss of two seats to the Tories who also took another seat vacated by an Independent.

Published Friday, May 2, 2003

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