Labour chiefs were celebrating after winning the by-election for St George's Ward in Benfleet.
Roy English won the seat, pipping Conservative Jackie Govier to the post by more than 100 votes.
Around 712 people voted for former councillor Mr English, who lost his seat in Victoria Ward to Tory Enid Isaacs two years ago. Conservative Mrs Govier achieved 609 votes.
The St George's ward seat was left vacant by the death of former mayor, Labour's Arthur Stevens, who suffered a heart attack minutes into his maiden speech.
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