COUNCILLOR Andrew Jefferies, the leader of Thurrock Council's Conservative group, has resigned as Leader of the Council.

The resignation will take effect from 22 May, the date of the council's annual meeting when Labour will take formal control of the authority.

Under the council's constitution, Cllr Jefferies had been elected leader on a 'strong leadership' mandate for a set term of years, which means he could have remained in post, and would have had to have been removed by a vote of no confidence.

However, the margin of the Labour victory at the elections and losing seats to the independents in the east of the borough, gave a clear directive from the ballot box.

Cllr Jefferies said: "It has been an honour to lead Thurrock Council over the last 12 months and I and colleagues have worked hard to help the council on its journey to recovery.

"We have had to make some difficult decisions, but we have always strived to put the people of the borough first.

"I am proud to say that I believe the work we have done during the last year has played a significant role in beginning to return the council to financial stability, but there is still much to do.

"However, the result of the local election was clear, and the electorate has voted for different political leadership. I acknowledge that, and resign my position as Leader, without question.

"I will continue to support all measures aimed at restoring the council's finances and, as a ward councillor and Leader of the Opposition, I will do all I can to ensure that Thurrock is evermore a diverse, prosperous, and dynamic community."