Reform UK wins all eight council seats in Tendring election

 <i>(Image: NQ)</i>
(Image: NQ)
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Reform candidates have taken all eight council seats in Tendring, with decisive wins across the district.

The results, confirmed throughout the night, show Reform candidates winning every division in Tendring, unseating sitting councillors from across the political spectrum.

Turnout was strong in several areas, with Frinton and Walton’s division seeing 51.55 per cent – the highest in the district.

Peter Harris, named councillor for Clacton North, said: "I feel privileged and humbled to represent the residents of Clacton.

"I look forward serving the community here. We have all made our view on LGR clear, we object it, and I will do everything I can to oppose it."

Mark Webster, who won Clacton South with 3,700 votes, said: "It is still sinking in now.

"I'll serve the community and try to get the best services I can. I'm really excited to get the resident the change, and get the there."

Melanie Moakson, representing Frinton and Walton, said: "It's very exciting, and it's good to get started."

In Harwich, Linda McKenzie edged out Labour’s Ivan Henderson in a close contest, receiving 2,582 votes to Henderson’s 2,232.

Mrs McKenzie said: "I feel overwhelmed. I had one of the hardest areas, with Ivan Henderson in the race as well.

"I'm excited to get started, because I want to help people."

Her daughter, Aimee Keteca, won Brightlingsea for Reform, and said: "It shows the public has come out on a large scale, and it goes to show they want change.

"I can't put into words how proud I am of my mum."

Bradley Thompson, who won Clacton West and St Osyth, said: "It is massive, getting five out of five wins for Nigel [Farage].

"It has been a long and hard couple of months, but now we are getting there. Now it is getting to work. And to get these potholes fixed."

Pat Murray completed the sweep in Tendring Rural West, saying: "I'm proud to be a part of Essex.

"On Monday, I will be on the road to meet my new colleagues. Because, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter which party we belong to, but we are colleagues. And we work for the good for the people of Essex."

Those who lost their seats, Independent Mark Stephenson, Labour's Ivan Henderson, and Conservative Dan Land all spoke about a "protest vote".

Mr Henderson said: "It's come as quite a surprise, even on the day, we've received strong support. 

"But, at the end of the day, it has been a massive protest vote. 

"But I wonder, how many people are waking up tomorrow, wondering, that Nigel Farage is not their councillor."

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