Ukip has made another gain in the Conservative safe ward Emerson Park but the Tory council leader managed to retain his seat.
Council leader Cllr Steven Kelly retained his seat with 1,499 votes but has admitted that the party in the Hornchurch and Upminster constituency, where he is chairman, has done “very badly.”
Ukip’s John Glanville was elected with 1,450 votes pushing Conservative cabinet member for children and learning Cllr Paul Rochford, who got 1,414 votes, out of the council.
Cllr Kelly said: “We have done very badly. The biggest reason is that they held the European elections on the same day.
“It’s handed it to them [Ukip] on a plate and caused us a lot of losses.”
But in a reference to an American general who commanded the army during the Philippines Campaign in the 40s, he said: “As Douglas MacArthur said ‘we will be back’.”
Cllr Roger Ramsey held his seat with 1,661 votes, and rued the loss of his colleague Cllr Rochford.
“It’s pleasing to be re-elected, I have been a councillor since 1986. But I am very dissappointed we have lost a colleague, Paul Rochford, to a Ukip seat.”
He added that he would be willing to work with other parties, after some “constructive discussion.”
The turnout for the ward was 45.7pc, with 4,433 votes.
View our live blog HERE for updates throughout the day.
Read more:
Local Elections: Ukip wins all three seats in Gooshays
Local Elections: Residents Association hoping for majority win after holding Upminster
Local Elections: Residents’ Association clean up in Harold Wood
Local Elections: Conservatives hold Romford Town
Local Elections: Residents’ Association take Elm Park from Conservatives
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here