Tories back in power at district council

The change in administration came after a vote at annual council on Tuesday

The political leadership at a local authority has changed hands following an annual council vote.

Rochford District Council is now run as a joint administration by the Conservatives, Rochford District Residents (RDR) and the Rochford and Foulness Wakering Independents (RFWI).

Until recently, the council was jointly run by the Liberal Democrats and independents.

Its new leader, Conservative Danielle Belton, said the three groups would work together on "shared priorities".

"Given the current uncertainty due to local government reform, we believe that transparent, engaging and member-led leadership is vital for the future of the district, and that is what we intend to deliver," she said.

No single political party has controlled the council in recent years.

Local councils in England are due to be dismantled and replaced as part of a major shake-up of local government.

RDR councillor John Mason was made the deputy leader and said his party would be "working for residents" in coalition with the other two groups.

Arthur Williams, group leader for RFWI, said his party shared "common goals" with his cross-bench colleagues.

No single political party has had a majority in Rochford in recent years.

The Tories have 10 members, RDR have eight, Lib Dems have eight, RFWI have three and 10 other councillors are from independent groups.