Tories lose control of council after budget fallout

Two Conservative councillors were suspended after voting against the budget

The Conservatives have lost control of an Essex council after two of their members voted against their own financial strategy.

Thurrock Council's 2024-25 budget, which outlined £20m in savings and an 8% council tax increase, was approved this week.

The Tory group suspended the two councillors, meaning the local authority moved into no overall control.

Jack Duffin, one of the two suspended, described it as a "mutual parting of the ways".

Thurrock Council is effectively bankrupt following failed investments in solar farms and still has about £434m of debt.

Andrew Anderson was the other councillor suspended. Both will sit as independents.

Three other independents voted against the budget, but it was still approved because the Labour group abstained.

Its leader John Kent warned that government could have "enforced an even higher council tax increase and deeper intervention" if the plan was not approved.

The Tories will run the council as a minority administration, meaning it will be harder to pass motions.

Residents will go to the polls for Thurrock Council elections on 2 May.