SOUTHEND Council will remain under no overall control despite a night which saw the Tories gain two seats.
A coalition between Independents, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Southend Independence Group has governed the council since 2014, but tonight's result opens the possibility of a new administration being formed.
The Tories now hold 24 of the 51 seats on the council, just short of the amount needed to form a majority administration.
Labour also gained a seat and now has 10 members, meaning it is now the second largest party outright.
Non-aligned councillor Dr Vel, a GP in Westborough Road, Westcliff, had pledged to close his surgery if he was re-elected, as it would have made him next in line to take over as Southend mayor.
But he was pushed into second place in Westborough ward, where Labour's Anne Jones triumphed.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL WARD-BY-WARD RESULTS FOR SOUTHEND COUNCIL
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