IN another blow to Thurrock’s Labour party, former Aveley councillor and long standing Labour member, Srikanth Panjala has joined Thurrock Conservatives reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
The shocking move comes weeks after Thurrock’s Labour was thrashed by Thurrock Reform group as they claimed victory winning 45 seats out of 49 in the local elections earlier this month.
Local councillor Srikanth Panjala ran to be elected as Labour councillor for the Aveley ward in the elections but gained just 634 votes as he missed out on a seat on the council.
Thurrock’s former council and Labour leader Lynn Worrall also lost her seat in Grays Town to Reform’s Milena Bingley and Michael Shakespeare. Marc Stanley was also elected however he has recently chosen to step down.
The election has shaped Thurrock’s political make-up as councillor Richard Bingley is set to become the new council leader at tomorrow’s council meeting.
Announcing his resignation, Mr Panjala said: “I joined politics for positive change, not to be a victim of political division and hatred.
“Despite my political affiliation, I always got support from Conservative councillors and am pleased to become a Conservative member today.
“The Conservative Party is inclusive, supportive and progressive. I will utilise my knowledge and expertise to help and support Thurrock communities.”
The current Mayor of Thurrock and Labour councillor Sue Shinnick said: “I have only recently heard of the news and I am a little bit upset by this.
“I had no idea that he would be doing this however he is clearly upset and so he has chosen to go to another party.”
The Conservatives have substantially reduced in size in recent years after running the council from 2010 up until 2024.
In 2022, the council issued a section 114 notice after failed investments. Government commissioners were sent in but the Conservatives remained the political administration until the 2024 elections were Labour took control.
Welcoming Mr Panjala into Conservative party, councillor Qaisar Abbas said: “We are pleased to welcome Srikanth into the Conservative Party. He has made positive contribution in politics and also to the Thurrock Neighbourhood watch.
“He brings knowledge and experience. We are good in supporting people and delivering promises. We always place residents, communities and local businesses first.”
Issuing a joint statement, Essex Conservative Party Chair, Craig Rimmer and Basildon and Thurrock Conservative Party Chair, Yetunde Adeshile said: “We are happy to welcome another new member into the Conservative Party and also anyone else who feels let down by other political parties. We are a party who can be trusted to deliver for Thurrock.”
