Basildon Labour elects new leader

The Basildon Labour group has elected Cllr Jack Ferguson as its leader, following Cllr Gavin Callaghan’s resignation earlier this month.

Cllr Ferguson has represented the Pitsea North West ward since 2018 and chaired the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee for the past two years. Cllr Ferguson stood for Labour in the 2019 parliamentary election, but was defeated by the incumbent Conservative candidate.

The Labour-led alliance, which has controlled Basildon Council for the past two years, suffered a defeat in May’s elections, whilst the Conservative grouping gained seats.

As the Conservative grouping has over 21 council seats, the party will lead the council for the year ahead.

At the AGM of the council later this month, the Conservative group will propose Cllr Andrew Baggott to lead the council and Cllr David Dadds to undertake mayoral duties.

To see the election results in full, click here.

Image: Basildon Council