NEWLY elected Reform UK councillor William Cook is the new mayor of Thurrock, after being voted the borough's first citizen at this evening's ( Wednesday, 27 May) annual council meeting.

Stanford South Reform councillor James Poyntz is deputy mayor.

Reform have announced an eight member cabinet, led by Cllr Richard Bingley who also takes responsibility for 'Public Protection, community safety and veterans'.

Deputy leader, as previously announced, is Cllr Alan Benson, who takes portfolio responsibility for transport and highways.

Former Reform group leader Alex Anderson is portfolio holder for 'corporate services, digital and transformation'.

Cllr Sara Poyntz is portfolio holder for finance.

A new portfolio post of 'deregulation, efficiency and civic pride' is Cllr George Monk.

Former Tory Cllr Tom Kelly's pre-election defection has been rewarded with appointment for regeneration and environment.

Cllr Bingley's wife, Milena, is responsible for education, skills and children's services.

Cabinet member for adult health and housing services is newly elected Rob Willoughby.

Reform have taken charge of 'marking their own homework' by not offering opposition councillors chairs or deputy chairs on overview and scrutiny committees.

They have not offered non voting supplementary roles on committees including audit.

The corporate parenting committee will no longer be covered by public broadcast, denying what has been a public role to Thurrock young people.

And no appointments have been made to the local plan working group.

The list of committee appointments can be viewed here: https://democracy.thurrock.gov.uk/documents/s52711/Appointment%20Booklet%202026-27.pdf