A jubilant Labour party is still holding the reigns of power in Castle Point, despite the Tories clawing back vital ground in the local election.

In 1995, Labour boasted 34 seats to five Conservative after a landslide victory.

But now the margin has narrowed to 24 Labour and 15 Tories. It was a great night for the Tories as they won back eight seats from Labour, although they didn't make up enough ground to take control of the council.

Labour council leader Dave Wells was far from downhearted at some heavy losses, and said: "I'm really chuffed.

"This is an endorsement of our local community policies. People are giving the Tories a signal that they are just not up to speed.

"At the last election, we won votes because the public were so against the Tory Government. This year, the usual 10 per cent who turn up to vote against the Government did not show up.

"That can only mean that the public are content with a Labour Government."

Two Labour husband and wife teams endured a rollercoaster of emotions during the count, with only one from each couple being re-elected.

Mayor Valerie Wells lost her seat by 11 votes while Dave Wells stormed to victory by a comfortable 261 votes.

Mrs Wells said: "I am gutted but I plan to enjoy my last 11 days as mayor. Thank God my last days as mayor will be under a Labour council.

"I'm pleased for my husband. He's happy, so I'm happy. It just wasn't meant to be."

Jane David romped home on Canvey but her husband Jim lost his seat on the island to Tory stalwart Ray Howard.

Mr David said: "I think it is swings and roundabouts. The important thing is retaining control of the council. I'll have more time to spend with my family."

County councillor Mr Howard and fellow Conservative Tony Belford, a former chief inspector on the island, were both elated to steal seats from Labour on Canvey.

Benfleet was the Tory hotbed with six gains while Labour made no gains but steadfastly held on to seats all over the borough.

Tory leader Doug Roberts said: "We are rebuilding the Conservatives in Castle Point. The people have showed their faith in us and we will not let them down.

"They want us back in a position of power because they do not trust Labour. It has been a very encouraging night."

The Green Party, which fielded three candidates, failed to win any seats.

Despite increating their share of the vote, Tories failed to take control of Southend, which remains under no overall control, a situation that was mirrored in Rochford.

The Tories made substantial gains in Basildon, but failed to seize power from the controlling Labour group.

Elsewhere in Essex, the Tories took control of Maldon, which was previously under no overall control and the Lib Dems lost control of Chelmsford, now under no overall control.

Triumphant Tories - Tony Belford and Ray Howard celebrate their win at Castle Point's election count

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