Labour's grip on power at Tendring Council has been finally broken after four years of total domination.

They lost overall majority at the local elections but were still the largest single party with 23 of the 60 seats.

But at last night's annual meeting their councillors were ousted from all the posts up for grabs - having previously held them all.

Liberal Democrat Rosemary Smith was elected chairman along with new vice-chairman Brian Thomasson (Holland Res, St Bartholomews) from the Independent group.

It meant that George Elmer (Lab, Ramsey), last year's vice-chairman, lost out on his chance of moving up to chairman.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Independents shared out the chairmanships and vice-chairmanships of the three main boards, all the committees and sub-committees.

The position of council leader and deputy leader, introduced by Labour, were scrapped. Mrs Smith, who represents Mistley, said it was an interesting challenge ahead and she called on all the councillors to work together.

"I hope that I can spearhead the council as it changes direction over the next four years," she said.

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