THURROCK Council Conservative group will have a new leader after Cllr Andrew Jefferies announced he is standing down.

Cllr Jefferies said: "After nearly two years leading the Conservatives locally, and having had the absolute honour to lead the council from 2023 – 2034, I have taken the decision to step back.

"This is a time of tremendous change in Thurrock as we embark on local government reorganisation and explore a devolution arrangement. I have decided that it is time for the Conservatives to have fresh leadership and am pleased to announce that Cllr George Coxshall will take over while the process to elect a new leader takes place.

"It goes without saying that I will continue to support the Conservative group in Thurrock whilst representing my Ockendon constituents to the best of my abilities".