THURROCK Council's Labour Group has acted quickly to appoint a new group leader and potential leader of the authority following today's announcement (Monday, 28 April) that veteran councillor John Kent is to stand down.

At a group meeting this evening, Cllr Lynn Worrall was elected by Labour councillors to the role.

Cllr Worrall was first elected to the council in 2008 in Tilbury St Chads, defeating BNP candidate Angela Daly by 61 votes.

She retained the seat four years later with an overwhelming victory, more than 450 votes ahead of the National Front candidate Michael Griffin.

However, her third attempt to represent the ward ended in disappointment in May 2016 when the surge in support for UKIP when John Allen won the seat, with Ms Worrall creating some controversy and criticism of her respect for the democratic process by leaving the count before the result, when she lost by 36 votes, was declared.

Notwithstanding that, she was back in the Labour fold for the 2018 elections, surging to a 565 majority win against Tory Evelina Vuple in the Grays Thurrock ward and afterwards was appointed deputy leader of the Labour group soon after.

She retained the Grays Thurrock ward seat in 2022 with a majority of 613 in a two horse race with Tory Joanne Swash.

A statement issued today by Thurrock Labour says: "Since becoming deputy leader, Cllr Worrall has infused the council's transformation efforts with her trademark energy and dedication, drawing on her extensive experience in various cabinet positions.

"Cllr Worrall is a respected voice among fellow councillors, residents, council officers, and her peers nationally. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in driving major transformation programs, such as the Transforming Homes Programme, ensuring planned improvements to the Council's 10,000 homes. Additionally, she led efforts to build new Council homes across Thurrock, addressing years of neglect under previous administrations.

"In her professional career, Lynn worked for The Prince's Trust for 26 years, building relationships with communities, commercial partners and mentoring young people's programmes."

Cllr Worrall said, "I am honoured to be leader of Thurrock's Labour Group.

"I want to thank Cllr John Kent for his decades of leadership and for his support during this transition period. I will continue to work towards Thurrock's financial stability and, importantly, to continue to build on the work I have started on Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution.

"I will be working tirelessly to negotiate with our neighbouring councils across Essex to secure the best deal for Thurrock and its residents."