BASILDON’s new mayor and deputy mayor were also selected at the meeting.

Independent councillor David Harrison stepped down at the meeting before the mayoral election - meaning he was able to stand for the next vote.

Ukip, Labour and independent councillors again joined forces to vote him in.

Labour councillor David Burton-Sampson was voted in as vice chairman.

Mr Harrison praised his former deputy Stephen Ward for his work and said he looked forward to working for the town.

The Tories had put forward Don Morris for mayor and Danny Lawrence for deputy mayor.

The duo had previously served as mayor and deputy in 2015, but lost out in the votes.