Live updates as Thurrock results start to be declared. A great day for Reform with some crushing victories
By Nub News Reporter 8th May 2026
REFORM UK took three of the first declared seats in Thurrock Council's local elections and went on to enjoy an amazing day of success - taking 45 of the authority's 49 seats.
It is one of the biggest swings in UK local government history, wiping out a Labour majority and leaving just two opposition councillors.
The day started when 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.
As the first 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.
The afternoon brought almost unchallenged success for Reform, with the following outcomes.
Grays Town: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/thurrock-election-results-by-ward-grays-town-295514
Grays Riverside: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/thurrock-election-results-by-ward-grays-riverside-295513
Ockendon: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/thurrock-election-results-by-ward-ockendon-295517
Aveley: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/thurrock-election-results-by-ward-aveley-295506
Corringham and Fobbing: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/thurrock-election-results-by-ward-corringham-fobbing-295511
Belhus: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/thurrock-election-results-by-ward-belhus-295507
Chadwell St Mary: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/thurrock-election-results-by-ward-chadwell-st-mary-295508
Stanford South: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/thurrock-election-results-by-ward-stanford-le-hope-south-295520
The Homesteads: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/thurrock-election-results-by-ward-the-homesteads-stanford-le-hope-north-295522
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