It was a triumphant night for the Conservatives in Castle Point as they won three of the five available seats but it was the Canvey Island Independence Party who secured the most notable win of the night.

All eyes were on the seat of former veteran councillor Ray Howard in Canvey Island West, as he announced he was stepping down after more than 30 years.

It was a historical moment for the Canvey Island Independence Party as Peter May took Mr Howard’s seat, narrowly beating Tory candidate Jay Blissett with a majority of 336.

Party member Dave Blackwell, who also kept his seat at County Hall representing Canvey Island East, said: “We’re over the moon. This is the first time in history that this seat has been out of the hands of the Tories.”

Unfortunately, Peter May was unable to attend the count due to personal circumstances.

Disaster struck for the UK Independence Party though, as the Tories were able to steal both their seats in Thundersley and South Benfleet.

Beverley Egan will follow in her late father Joe Pike’s footsteps as she moves up to the County Council representing Thundersley.

Current Conservative borough councillor Andrew Sheldon usurped UKIP’s Alan Bayley in South Benfleet, a feat he believes proves UKIP have lost their place.

Speaking after the win, he said: “I’m very happy. As a borough, we were the third highest leave constituency in the country.

“Now, UKIP in Castle Point has been ground into dust. It just goes to show that the Tories are the true party for Brexit.”

It was an extra special night for one councillor though as Hadleigh ward County Councillor Jill Reeve's re-election means she is now the longest serving councillor left.

Mrs Reeves was first elected back in May 1985, the same year as fellow Conservative Ray Howard, and is looking forward to continuing her work.

The Conservative councillor said: "I'm elated. It's been a great deal of hard work and it has paid off.

"It does feel extra special that I will now be the longest serving councillor at County Hall. We will be celebrating.

"I'm really sorry we couldn't keep our Canvey West seat but it's great we took two others back.

"If I had to pass on any advice to newly appointed councillors, it would be to be patient and listen. County is very different to district and borough so they will have a lot of learning to do."

Conservative general election candidate Rebecca Harris was on hand to congratulate her fellow Tories.

She said: "I'm very pleased. We won both our seats back from UKIP with a very strong majority which is fantastic.

"One regret is that we didn't make any head way on Canvey. We came very close to Ray Howard's seat but it was not to be."