COUNTING got underway this morning (Friday, 8 May) at the Civic Hall, Blackshots, of votes cast in yesterday's Thurrock council local elections.

49 members will be elected from 20 wards at the end of the day's count, with Reform UK expected to take control of the council by a significant margin.

The seats with two members, with the exception of Stifford Clays, will be announced by lunchtime and then the three members seats will be counted this afternoon.

Results, as they are announced, will be published on Thurrock Nub news.

The count is being attended by candidates, agents and nominated party members, nominated guests and the media - but the general public are not being allowed in.