THE tone for a good night for the Conservatives was set early on at the count declarations this morning (Friday, 6 May) at the Backstage Centre when the second result declared brought a Tory gain.

Paul Arnold took the seat previously held by Labour's Sue Shinnock with a hefty victory over her Labour successor Ruth Clapham. Cllr Shinnock, who is the current mayor, perhaps saw the writing on the wall, vactating the seat for a challenge in South Chafford, where she scored just one of two labour gains on the night.

With the Tories also winning Belhus ward the former Labour stronghold of South Ockendon now has a dinstict shade of blue as its demographic has changed with lots of new homes.

Result

• Paul Arnold (Conservative) - 1021
• Ruth Clapham (Labour) - 877

Majority 144

Electorate: 8,234. Ballot Papers Issued: 1923, Turnout: 23.35%