Polls close in Essex council and PFCC elections

Polling stations, including this one in Benfleet, Essex, closed at 22:00

Voters have gone to the polls to elect new councillors across Essex and the county's police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC).

The outcome will decide who sits on Basildon Borough, Brentwood, Castle Point Borough, Colchester City, Epping Forest District, Harlow, Rochford District, Southend-on-Sea City and Thurrock councils.

People were also be able to vote on the same day for the Essex PFCC role.

Polling stations closed at 22:00 BST.

Elections were held in Southend-on-Sea

Constituents needed to bring photo ID.

There are four people standing for the Essex PFCC role: Adam Fox (Labour), Kieron Franks (Liberal Democrat), current commissioner Roger Hirst (Conservative) and Robin Tilbrook (English Democrats).

The successful candidate to hold the new four-year term will be announced on Friday, with the newly-elected official taking on the role from 10 May.

PFCCs must ensure police forces and fire services function effectively, but not to run these organisations themselves.

They hold them to account and scrutinise their performances on behalf of the public.

Chief constables and chief fire officers are appointed by PFCCs and they can dismiss them, if necessary.

It is also their job to set the annual budgets for their force and service and decide the level of the slice of council tax dedicated to police and fire funding.

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