ORSETT'S Cllr Sue Little has been Inaugurated as the Mayor of Thurrock and Cllr Andrew Jefferies voted in as new Leader of council.

Their appointments were confirmed at the annual general meeting of Thurrock council on Wednesday, 24 May.

Cllr Qaisar Abbas has been named as the deputy Mayor for the 2023/24 municipal year.

Cllr Little said: "It is a tremendous honour to become the Mayor of Thurrock and I am looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

"I will be working hard to visit as many charities and local groups as possible and highlighting all the excellent work being carried out by the borough's residents.

"Outside the borough I will work to promote Thurrock and the many wonderful people that live and work here."

The Mayor's charities this year will focus on helping children and adults.

Many tributes were paid to outgoing mayor, Cllr James Halden.

Cllr Andrew Jefferies.

Cllr Andrew Jefferies was also elected leader of the council at the same meeting.

He said: "I have been a resident of the borough for more than 20 years and a councillor since 2018. I am proud to take on the role of leader and look forward to helping restore the council to a sound financial footing

"All of the work I do in my new role will be to ensure that residents have access to the services they need and deserve."