Postman Barry Dixie, 59, was in a first class mood after delivering the Canvey Independents' first success of the night.
At precisely 12.40am, he signalled the beginning of a new era on Castle Point Council when Returning Officer Barry Rollinson announced he had won the Winter Gardens ward with a majority of 166.
First class - Barry Dixie took Canvey Winter Gardens ward Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY
He beat Conservative candidate Kenneth Moore, who ironically is his ex-wife's father.
In the next hour he was joined on the council by fellow party members John Anderson (Canvey Central), Anne Wood (Canvey East), her husband Brian Wood (Canvey South), and Martin Tucker (Canvey North).
Mr Anderson beat Labour candidate Terry Blackwell, who had been Labour's sole councillor in Castle Point.
The party has a manifesto which is centred on the separation of Canvey from the rest of the Castle Point borough in order concentrate funds for the island.
New councillor Barry Dixie was delighted by the result, and said: "This could be the start of something big.
"We will try and do our very best for the people of Canvey, which is a unique place."
Further reaction to the voting in our Elections news section
Published Friday June 11, 2004
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