THURROCK NUB NEWS EXCLUSIVE

A FOURTH sitting councillor is believed to have defected to join the Conservatives on Thurrock Council.

Following the defection of independents David Potter, Allen Mayes and Shane Ralph last week, Labour councillor Abbie Akinbohun who won her seat in South Chafford in 2018 has told colleagues she is about to switch as well.

She shared the news on social media but has not responded to a request for confirmation from Thurrock Nub News.

Ms Akinbohun currently sits on several committees and working groups as a Labour nominee.

She defeated Tory stalwart and - at the time - Mayor Tunde Ojetola in the 2018 election in South Chafford, polling 685 votes against Cllr Ojetola's 647.

Late on Tuesday evening the Thurrock Labour group issued the following statement: "Thurrock Labour Group has suspended Councillor Abbie Akinbohun with immediate effect following a complaint about her conduct.

"Thurrock Labour Group will not be commenting further until an investigation has concluded."