THE new leader of Thurrock Council has hit back at claims the Labour and Conservatives groups “colluded to give themselves the best posts”.
Last week Reform Group leader Alex Anderson said Thurrock Labour and Tories “colluded to divide up the various council positions that come with big increases in their allowances”.
Following last week’s annual council meeting where various posts, including committee chairmanships were appointed, Mr Anderson said: “While the Tories supported a Labour mayor, deputy mayor and leader of the council, the Labour Party supported all Tory nominees to chair various council committees.
“Earlier this year they joined forces, both voting to cancel this year’s elections in Thurrock. Had democracy prevailed none of them would be councillors anymore. Reform’s storming victory in the three way marginal of Ockendon and across the country on May 1 shows this.”
Mr Anderson, who was joined by fellow Reform councillors Russell Cherry and Alan Benson, following May by-elections added: “If it wasn’t clear before, it is now – Labour and the Tories act and govern as one, they’re two sides of the same coin.”
However, Lynn Worrall, who was appointed leader of the council on Wednesday, hit back. She said: “Reform are spinning a story to distract from their own embarrassment. At the annual council meeting, their newly elected councillors, who had never attended a single meeting, put themselves forward to chair key scrutiny functions.
“Role assignments were based on merit, not party lines or “big allowances”. More experienced councillors were rightly chosen. This wasn’t collusion—it was common sense.”
Ms Worrall added: “Contrary to Reform’s misleading claims, three Independent councillors and one Non-Aligned councillor were entrusted with key responsibilities—clear evidence that this council values diverse representation over party politics.
“This Council is committed to serving Thurrock with transparency, balance, and integrity. Reform’s attempts to stir division does not help the residents we’re all meant to represent.”
