May Election Results

THE GREENS have won in Leigh and Chalkwell following Thursday’s Local elections, but did not gain the success of Reform UK, who picked up eight seats on the night.
In a night that saw a total of 117 candidates stand across 17 Southend wards, representing nine parties and independent candidates, the current Labour-led administration fell short of a majority, with the gains for both Reform UK and the Greens giving them considerable influence as parties begin discussions on future strategy and control.
The Greens overtook the Liberal Democrats in supporting Labour’s minority administration alongside the Independents, while Reform unseated three cabinet members and defeated the Conservatives in key battlegrounds.
In Leigh ward, Anita Forde won the seat for the Green Party with 1,301 votes. In Chalkwell ward, Kay Mitchell also secured a Green gain with 1,024 votes.
In West Leigh, Alexander Shaw retained the seat for the Conservatives with 1,510 votes — one of only two wards held by the party, alongside Southchurch.
Reform UK gained two seats in the Leigh area, with Craig Watt winning Blenheim Park ward with 1,074 votes and Oscar Wood securing Belfairs with 1,280 votes.
Labour held Kursaal, Milton, Victoria and Westborough wards, while the Liberal Democrats retained Eastwood Park through Robert McMullan.
Overall, Labour remains the largest party with 17 councillors despite losing three seats.
Reform UK gained eight seats, taking its total to 11 councillors. The Conservatives lost four seats, reducing their total to 11, while the Greens now hold four seats following two gains.
There are also five Independents and three Liberal Democrat councillors.
Council leader Daniel Cowan said the council is heading into a period of “instability” as parties consider their next steps following the elections.
Richard Longstaff Southend Green councillor for Leigh, said the Greens were “incredibly pleased” with their gains and looked forward to getting to work.
Tony Cox Southend Reform leader, commented: “It was clear that Reform were the biggest winners of the night. If this was an all-out election then I’m pretty certain we would have had control of the council.”
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