BASILDON Council's newly re-elected Tory leader, Malcolm Buckley has pledged to drive down council spending.

At the council's annual meeting, Mr Buckley, also reaffirmed his commitment to retain weekly rubbish collections and promised there would be no bin taxes.

After being re-elected, Mr Buckley said: "We remain committed to concentrating on improving services, driving down costs and value for money."

The meeting saw Frank Tomlin elected as the council's new chairman, replacing Geoff Buckenham, Tony Ball as deputy chairman - and a reshuffle within the council's ruling ranks.

Mr Buckley's wife, Sylvia Buckley's controversial role as chairman of the development control committee has ended and she has been replaced by Tory colleague Stephen Hillier.

A number of changes were made to the council cabinet.

Tony Hedley goes from being councillor responsible for leisure, to chair the audit and risk committee.

Kevin Blake, formerly responsible for customer services, takes over at leisure post, while Richard Moore, moves into the cabinet, with responsibility for customer services.

Terri Sargent takes over from Mr Hillier as councillor responsible for the environment, while Mrs Sargent's community services portfolio goes to new cabinet member Andrew Baggott.

David Abrahall replaces Frank Tomlin as chairman of the licensing committee.

Mr Buckley has invited Lib Dem Ben Williams to join the cabinet, while Lynda Gordon will represent the Labour group.

The meeting also saw the official opening of the new St George's Suite as the council's main venue for meetings.

Outgoing chairman Geoffrey Buckenham presented cheques for £2,000 each to St Luke's and Little Havens hospices to mark the end of his year of office.