THE new leader of Thurrock Council has hit back at claims the Labour and Conservatives groups "colluded to give themselves the best posts".

Last week, in the wake of the council's annual meeting, Reform Group leader Alex Anderson said Thurrock Labour and Tories "colluded to divide up the various council positions that come with big increases in their allowances."

Cllr Anderson spoke after the chairs of various committees were decided by votes, with all Reform's nominations being heavily defeated.

Cllr Anderson said: "While the Tories supported a Labour mayor, deputy mayor and leader of the council, the Labour Party supported all Tory nominees to chair various council committees.

"Earlier this year they joined forces, both voting to cancel this year's elections in Thurrock. Had democracy prevailed none of them would be councillors anymore. Reform's storming victory in the three way marginal of Ockendon and across the country on May 1 shows this."

Cllr Anderson, who was joined by fellow Reform councillors Russell Cherry and Alan Benson, following May's by-elections added: "If it wasn't clear before, it is now – Labour and the Tories act and govern as one, they're two sides of the same coin."

However, Cllr Lynn Worrall, who was appointed leader of the council at the annual meeting, hit back. She said: "Reform are spinning a story to distract from their own embarrassment. At the annual council meeting, their newly-elected councillors, who had never attended a single meeting, put themselves forward to chair key scrutiny functions.

"Role assignments were based on merit, not party lines or "big allowances". More experienced councillors were rightly chosen. This wasn't collusion—it was common sense."

Cllr Worrall added: "Contrary to Reform's misleading claims, three Independent councillors and one Non-Aligned councillor were entrusted with key responsibilities - clear evidence that this council values diverse representation over party politics.

"This Council is committed to serving Thurrock with transparency, balance, and integrity. Reform's attempts to stir division does not help the residents we're all meant to represent."