THE leader of Basildon Conservatives group, Cllr Andrew Baggott, is recovering in hospital after surgery following a suspected stroke.

It happened on Sunday at his home.

A statement from Basildon Conservatives says: "All of us at Basildon Conservatives are keeping Andy and his family in our thoughts and we wish him a full and speedy recovery and we look forward to his return to the Council.

John Baron, Member of Parliament for Basildon & Billericay, said: "Our thoughts are with Andy and all the family. We have been in touch and are rallying round, and hope very much that he gets better soon."

In the interim, Cllr Baggott's deputy, Cllr Anthony Hedley, will be stepping in as acting leader of the Conservative Group and any residents of Burstead Ward with casework are requested to contact his ward colleague, Cllr Dr Richard Moore, or email [email protected].