Tories hold Basildon Council in 2022 local elections

The Conservative Group celebrated a “phenomenal” night as it cemented it’s 25-strong majority on the council – the same number of councillors it had before polls opened.

The Tories’ biggest win came in Pitsea North West, where Sam Gascoyne bested Labour leader Jack Ferguson.

Of the 14 Basildon Council seats up for grabs, Conservative candidates held nine seats, lost one to independent Walter Brown and gained Mr Ferguson’s Labour seat.

A ballot box is delivered to the Basildon Sporting Village. Pic: PA

Turnout across the borough was just 27 per cent.

Tory councillor Andrew Schrader, who was re-elected in Billericay East, described the results as “phenomenal”.

“We have not suffered the bloodbath that was predicted by many. Other parties wanted to talk about the Prime Minister or national issues, but on the doorstep we found people didn’t really care about that.”

Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council’s Conservative group, added: “Nationally as the press has rolled out partygate, that has dominated some of the conversations and Boris Johnson does seem to be very Marmite in people’s minds, you either love him or you hate him.”

Leader of the Labour group in Basildon, Jack Ferguson (right) reacts after losing his seat. Pic: PA

South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe believes the results “could have been worse” following what had been a “difficult” period for the party.

The Tory MP said: “We knew this could be a difficult night for us nationally, but I am very pleased with how things have turned out here in Basildon.”

Labour candidate David Kirkman (centre) reacts after taking the Fryerns Ward. Pic: PA

Other results saw Labour councillor David Kirkman hold his Fryerns seat, while the party celebrated Susanna Caira-Neeson winning a formerly non-aligned Lee Chapel North.

Meanwhile Independent group leader Kerry Smith held his Nethermayne seat, winning 1,146 votes.