PLANS to reduce crime and improve parking have collapsed according to the man believed to be the shortest serving council leader in the history of Southend.

Councillor Tony Cox lasted for just four weeks before a vote of no confidence, despite many approving of his ten point plan.

Among the policies he hoped to introduce was a plan to woo shoppers and tourists back to Southend with cheaper parking and more spaces, and bring 34 new special constables on the streets to improve neighbourhood policing.

Lib Dem leader, and member of the new coalition, Carole Mulroney has said the coalition has not decided whether to drop the policies but they will “defer” them until they have decided how they fit in.

Mr Cox said the Tories will continue to push for the changes because while the Special Constables were not the “silver bullet” it was something immediate.

He said: “We had a paper ready to go, it just needed to go to the cabinet and then we’d have had authorisation to start recruiting.

“We also had interest from businesses who told us they would have been willing to contribute toward funding which would have led to even more special constables.”

Accepting a loss of popularity Mr Cox acknowledged they needed to learn some lessons.

Mr Cox said: “I was determined my administration would conduct politics differently, this town desperately needs it and we will continue to do so in opposition.

“We will be a principled and responsible opposition, holding the administration to account but not being afraid to agree when we share commonly shared views.

“What I do hope is that those who have made this town a national laughing stock start to behave more responsibly, professionally and show better leadership than they have done to date as this past month hasn’t been their finest hour.”

On his time in charge he added: “Whether it was for one day or one week, I believe it to be a privilege and an honour to be leader of this council and not an entitlement.

“My cabinet, under somewhat bizarre circumstances showed incredible professionalism to ensure the town functioned whilst the opposition groups squabbled.

“I believe we have some immediate policies that were not just popular with residents and businesses but the right thing to do for the town. It would seem that these are going to be put on hold.”