Ukip have defeated Labour in a county council by-election for a Basildon seat.

Frank Ferguson will represent Ukip in Laindon Park and Fryerns ward at County Hall after polling 2,034 votes - 42.6 per cent of the vote.

Mr Ferguson, who is also a borough councillor for Lee Chapel North ward saw off Labour councillor Gavin Callaghan, who won 1,600 votes - 33.5 per cent of votes.

Gary Maylin, the Tory candidate for the seat, finished third with 878 votes - 18.4 per cent of votes. 

Phil Rackley, representing the Green Party, polled 264 votes.

The election was called after Former Labour councillor Bill Archibald died in April this year.

The voting turnout in the ward was 16.9 per cent.