ONE of just two bright spots for Labour in an otherwise disappointing election performance came in the Aveley and Uplands ward where seventies and eighties pop icon David van Day's frittering with Thurrock politics came to an end after one term.

It was a case of a celebrity being taken out of here as the former Dollar, Bucks Fizz and Guys 'n' Dolls singer and latter day celebrity reality TV show stalwart succumbed to a 20 vote defeat at the hands of Labour's Srikanth Panjala.

It was the closest poll result of the night and ended Mr Day's run on the council which began when he won a 2019 by-election following the resignation of UKIP's Tim aker.

It was a success at the second time of election asking for Cllr Panjala, who became known in the area for his work with Neighbourhood Watch.

Result:

• David Day (Conservative) 857
• Srikanth Panjala (Labour) 877

Majority 20

Electorate: 7,518. Ballot Papers Issued: 1,750. Turnout: 23.28%.