Thurrock's new Reform council leader has vowed to fight plans to merge the borough with Basildon under controversial local government reforms.

Cllr Richard Bingley set out his priorities in an interview before being elected at the authority's annual meeting on Wednesday (27 May) evening, making opposition to reorganisation a central plank of his administration.

The Government has proposed a "five-council model" for Essex as part of local government reorganisation, which could see the county's 15 existing authorities abolished and new unitary authorities formed.

Under the proposals, Basildon and Thurrock would be grouped into a new "South West Essex" authority, while Southend, Rochford and Castle Point could form "South East Essex".

Cllr Bingley said his administration would resist any move to merge the two boroughs.

"One of the big issues is the planned local government reorganisation," he said.

"We will oppose the merging of Basildon and Thurrock Council. It doesn't ring true to democracy, local roots or identity.

"Both boroughs get on very well, but there is no common identity between them. The reorganisation just seems bonkers."

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Deputy leader, Reform councillor Alan Benson added: "We do not need to merge to become a better borough. We are an excellent borough with excellent people and opportunities.

Cllr Bingley added that, aside from controversy surrounding the council's past solar investments which sparked financial disaster, Thurrock's unitary structure had otherwise functioned effectively.

Cllr Bingley outlined plans to tackle the council's finances and "reset" the authority following its well-publicised crisis.

He said: "It's about going back to basics. We are elected to look after the borough and be stewards for it.

"Our goals are simple — run the borough efficiently, keep council tax as low as possible, prevent crime, keep the streets clean and get the basics right."

The debt of Thurrock is estimated to be around the £1 billion mark, with the council paying more than a million pounds a week just to service the debt.

Previous figures under the Labour administration were clouded in uncertainty, former council leader Lynn SWoorell described them as around £650 million, just days after presenting a financial report that estimate it at more than £1 billion.#

Unearthing the truth will be one of Cllr Bingley's immediate tasks.

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Cllrs Bingley and Benson said reducing the debt burden remains a "work in progress", alongside plans to reinvest in key cultural assets including the borough's library, museum and theatre.

Thurrock Council's new cabinet.

Cllr Bingley also stressed his administration would serve all residents, regardless of political allegiance.

He said: "We will not act as a Reform administration, but as one that serves everybody, no matter how they voted — or whether they voted at all."