TWO UKIP councillors have been given cabinet positions on Basildon Council.

Linda Allport-Hodge, deputy leader of the party and ward councillor for Langdon Hills, and Mark Ellis, who represents Laindon Park, have been made cabinet members without portfolio.

It comes despite the Conservative party insisting they are running the council under minority control.

The new cabinet line up was announced during Basildon Council's annual general meeting last night.

Phil Turner, the former deputy leader has been made leader after long-serving councillor Tony Ball was ousted by UKIP.

Kevin Blake, cabinet member for leisure and arts has been made his deputy.

Mo Larkin has retained her crown as mayor of Basildon, and UKIP councillor Nigel Le Gresley has been made deptuy mayor.