EAST Thurrock James McMurdock has questioned Thurrock council's commitment to openness and transparency after the controversial events at an extraordinary full council meeting this week, which ended with turmoil and accusations.

The South Basildon and East Thurrock independent MP has called for urgent clarification following the meeting that resulted in a motion to proceed with this year's local elections being defeated amid a mystery disappearance and claims of vote counting.

The extraordinary meeting, held on Wednesday evening, was convened to consider a Reform-led motion supported by independent councillors seeking to affirm that all-out borough elections would go ahead as previously planned.

During the vote:

■ Reform UK councillors and independent councillors voted in favour of elections proceeding.

■ Labour councillors voted against the motion.

■ Conservative leader Cllr George Coxshall spoke and indicated support for the motion and said his group would support it en masse. However, when it came to the vote, Conservative councillor Jacqui Maney had left the chamber.

Despite the fact that 40 members remained in the chamber for the vote and no-one abstained, the vote was announced as 19 in favour and 20 against, meaning the motion was declared lost.

Opposition councillors immediately challenged the count and requested clarification or a recount, citing the numbers present and voting. The meeting was subsequently closed without further explanation, and no amended tally was formally recorded.

Under the council's procedures, a tied vote would ordinarily require the Mayor to exercise a casting vote. However, as the vote was declared lost, this did not occur.

Commenting on the events, Mr McMurdock said: "The emergency meeting of Thurrock Council has raised a number of serious procedural and democratic concerns which now require clear explanation.

"Reform UK and Independent councillors supported the continuation of local elections, while Labour councillors voted against. Questions have also been raised about the circumstances surrounding the Conservative group's participation in the vote and the accuracy of the final count.

"Given the importance of this decision to local residents, it is essential that the council provides transparency around how the vote was conducted, how it was counted, and why the meeting was concluded without addressing the concerns raised at the time.

"Public confidence in local democracy depends on clarity, accountability, and trust in process. Residents of Thurrock deserve reassurance that decisions of this significance are being handled properly and in accordance with established constitutional procedures."

The vote comes against the backdrop of ongoing government consideration of whether Thurrock Council has the capacity to deliver local government reorganisation alongside borough-wide elections, following recommendations made by appointed commissioners after the authority's financial collapse.

Mr McMurdock concluded the manner in which Wednesday's vote concluded risked undermining confidence at a time when transparency and democratic accountability were most needed.