COUNCILLOR Andy Barnes of the Conservative party has been elected Leader of Basildon Council unopposed at the authority’s annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday 21 May 2026.
The outcome marks a change in the council’s administration arrangements following this month’s local elections, which resulted in no overall control and required cross-party support to form a new governing administration.
Cllr Sam Journet was confirmed as the new Mayor of Basildon for 2026/27, with Cllr Damion Lewis appointed Deputy Mayor.
The council also elected its Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor, with Kuukua Aidoo appointed Youth Mayor and Diamond Akinbo appointed Deputy Youth Mayor.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Andy Barnes thanked councillors for their support and outlined his priorities for the year ahead.
“I am honoured to have been elected Leader of Basildon Council at a time when residents have made clear their expectation for cooperation, stability and effective local leadership.
“While no single political group holds overall control of the council, this presents an important opportunity to work constructively across party lines and focus on the issues that matter most to our communities.
“My priority will be to provide steady leadership, build consensus wherever possible and ensure every decision we take delivers meaningful outcomes for residents across the borough. We will work collaboratively with all parties to deliver regeneration, LGR and housing.
Cllr Barnes added:
“Although we may hold different political perspectives, we share a collective responsibility to serve Basildon with integrity, transparency and purpose. Basildon is going to be great again. I believe in Basildon.”
Speaking at the AGM, Mayor of Basildon, Cllr Sam Journet, said:
“Today is a historic moment, one I never imagined I would experience. To stand here, entrusted with serving as Mayor of Basildon, is an extraordinary honour. It is difficult to put into words what this means to me personally, and what I know it represents institutionally.
“The chain I wear tonight does not belong to Sam Journet alone; it belongs to Basildon. It belongs to every Mayor who has worn it before me, and to every person who believes that public service matters. I am deeply humbled to become the youngest person to hold this office in Basildon’s history.
“My journey has not been a conventional one. Life did not begin with certainty for me at a young age, but our circumstances do not have to define where our stories end.
“I often ask myself: how do you give back to the place you call home, the place that gave you opportunities? I care deeply about our communities, and I want young people especially to know that age should never limit ambition or public service.
“The role of Mayor is not about power or politics. It is about representing our borough with dignity, compassion, integrity and standing alongside our communities when it matters most.”
