There was a big cheer in Charter Hall as Labour pulled off its only Colchester gain of the night in Shrub End.
Richard Bourne raced ahead of Conservative Alan Scattergood for his third election gain in four years.
"I've taken a borough council seat from the Liberal Democrats, a county council seat from the Liberal Democrats and now I've won a seat back from the Tories," he said.
Mr Scattergood said he was "disappointed" with the result.
"I would have liked to have continued representing Shrub End but it wasn't to be."
He said his chances had been hit by the number of Army personnel absent in the Gulf.
But Mr Scattergood said: "I hope to have the opportunity to come back. I would like to have another go and I hope to get that chance."
Labour leader Tim Young said Shrub End was the highlight of Labour's election.
"It was an excellent gain," he said.
Published Friday, May 2, 2003
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