JUST seven months after being appointed, a Labour councillor has quit Thurrock Council's cabinet.

Cllr Mark Hurrell, who became a first time councillor when he was elected to represent Labour in the Belhus ward in May 2023, has resigned from his position as cabinet member for social housing.

He has cited 'personal reasons' for standing down from the £11,994 a year post he held for just 190 days. Cllr Hurrell is known to have been one of a number of senior Labour members who had deep reservations about the decision to sell off land in South Ockendon last week, a decision described by another cabinet colleague as 'heartbreaking'.

The site sits within Cllr Hurrell's ward and he is believed to have opposed the decision to sell off the land where it was originally planned set up as a social housing scheme.

Recent days within his portfolio for social housing have also been very tough, following the flooding and evacuation of Brisbane House in Tilbury, with the council coming under a lot of criticism.

Cllr Lynn Worrall, Leader of the Council, said: "On behalf of the Council, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Cllr Hurrell for his commitment and contribution to cabinet since his appointment in May. His efforts have been greatly appreciated.

"At this time, I have decided not to make any changes to the current Cabinet cohort.

"In the interim, Cllr Mark Hooper will assume responsibilities for housing, bringing a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held this cabinet responsibility."

Cllr Hurrell has been a committed member, attending 51 out of 57 relevant meetings across a number of directorate responsibilities since his election - and all nine cabinet meetings since his appointment.