It's too close to call in South Basildon and East Thurrock - though odds favour Reform in a recount to follow on Friday afternoon. Labour take Thurrock.

By Nub News Reporter 5th Jul 2024

Local News by Nub News Reporter 5th Jul 2024

THE Thurrock parliamentary constituency has a new MP after Labour's Jen Craft ended the 14 year reign of Conservative Dame Jackie Doyle-Price, who came an ignominious third place behind Sophie Preston-Hall, of Reform.

The count and declaration took place under the management of Thurrock Council at the Tilbury Cruise Terminal, but in shades of election failures past. the second declaration of the night - for neighbouring South Basildon and East Thurrock - was unable to be completed.

There will be a complete recount of the vote later today (Friday, 5 July, at the Town Hall in Grays.

After a delayed first count, the Reform candidate James McMurdock appeared to have won the seat with around 12,000 votes from Labour's Jack Ferguson, with another beaten Tory, Stephen Metcalfe, around 1,000 votes behind.

Initially candidates were told Reform had won by a margin of 127 votes, which prompted Labour to demand a recount and an initial check found botched counting procedures.

The saga over the count for South Basildon and East Thurrock dragged on until around 6am when Thurrock Council CEO and returning officer Dr Dave Smith said he had told counting staff to go home and a full recount would have to take place.

The other five candidates trailed well behind with Independent candidate Neil Speight, who polled more than 1,9000 votes, marginally the best of the rest and sweating on the return of his deposit, depending literally on a handful of votes when the recount and spoiled entries are declared.

By the time the events at Tilbury were concluded, many happy Thurrock-based Labour supporters were still celebrating at an after-poll party or in their beds.

Before departing the count, Ms Craft, who lives in Grays, spoke to Nub News.