REFORM UK took three of the first declared seats in Thurrock Council's local elections.

Aaron Green held his Purfleet seat for Labour but cabinet colleague Lee Watson lost out as Reform's Michelle Louise Heal was elected.

The second result saw a first double for Reform in Tilbury Riverside and was quickly followed by good news for Labour as Mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick held her seat in Chafford Hundred West, though Reform's Oscar Ellis took the other.

Reform doubled up again in Tilbury St Chads where youthful Baily Terry Scott claimed his place on the council.

An absolute landslide followed in Orsett, Horndon and Bulphan with a massive double success for Reform right in the middle of Tory heartland.

Labour found their hopes crushed in Little Thurrock Blackshots - and a similar drubbing followed in neighbouring Little Thurrock Rectory ward.

Perhaps the main shock of the day came in West Thurrock and South Stifford where the Conservative recorded two wins with success for Qaisar Abbas and Elena Pelin.

The morning's declarations ended with announcement of another huge Reform triumph in East Tilbury, Linford and West Tilbury and a big win for Reform in Chafford Hundred East as more Labour hopes were demolished.

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As the bfirstv session of declarations ended, news came through that history has been made across the county - the Conservatives have lost control of Essex County Council, where they have held a majority for 25 years.