Cllr John Kent, who has been Leader of Thurrock Council since May 2024, has announced he will be resigning as Leader, with a new Leader to be elected at Annual Council on 21 May.
Thurrock Council’s Annual Council marks the start of the new municipal year when Thurrock councillors meet to appoint a new mayor and deputy mayor, confirm the membership of the council’s committees including Cabinet and the Overview and Scrutiny committees, as well as agreeing the timetable for the year ahead.
Cllr John Kent, outgoing Leader of Thurrock Council, said: “I am extremely proud to have led the council over the last year, as we have made great progress in getting our finances back on track; improving services for local people rebuilding our relationships with residents; and working with our neighbours to get ready for devolution and local government reorganisation. I want to thank staff across the council for working so hard to put things right after the mistakes of the past. There is still a huge amount to do, but I know colleagues are committed to working hard to improve how we work and what we do, for the benefit of our residents who deserve better.
“With so much change coming, I feel now is the right time to step back as Leader and allow someone else to take the reins and help the council navigate the next few years, but I will continue to play an active role locally. Thurrock is my home and I will never tire of making a positive difference here.”