Tories in Southend were today eyeing up a key ward as a boost to their hopes of regaining control of the borough council at May's local elections.

They are set to target the marginal Prittlewell ward after the news that Liberal Democrat councillor Marianne Miller will be standing down a year early.

This means a double election in the ward where Lib Dem council leader David Elf only held onto his seat by five votes in the 1999 elections.

Mrs Miller is resigning because her husband's job has been relocated to Norwich and the couple will shortly be moving to Norfolk.

She was a popular councillor with her constituents and came top of the poll in the 1997 elections, meaning she would not normally have been due for re-election until next year.

The Conservatives need to gain just one seat to take control of the council.

Mr Elf said: "She will be hard act to follow, particularly in the careful way in which she dealt with her constituents."

Also up for election in Prittlewell, for many years a Liberal Democrat stronghold, will be Nigel Baker, well known for his work for many local organisations and his long time connection with the Scouting world.

In addition, Labour leader Chris Dandridge announced Roger Crisp, Labour member for the Victoria ward, was to retire from the political scene.

Mr Dandridge said: "I will miss him very much. He was very dedicated as a councillor but people who know him will know he will not be leaving public life."

Roger Crisp paid tribute to his fellow councillors and what he deemed "first rate officers".

The former headteacher of St Mary's school said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my four years as a councillor. I was fortunate to be a part of the council the year preceding the move to unitary status and had key roles in forming our education policies".

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