Thurrock has a new Mayor after Councillor Cathy Kent was sworn in at last night’s annual council meeting.

She immediately said what a great honour she felt it was to be unananimously elected.

Councillor Tunde Ojetola was also gratified to be sworn in as the new Deputy Mayor following last year’s race row.

Mrs Kent said she was “thrilled” but her predecessor Sue Gray would be a “hard act to follow.”

She said: “I’m thrilled and I’m looking forward to it. Sue is going to be a hard act to follow.

"It’s a bit daunting and I just want to do the best job I can.

“I might bring in an umpire whistle to keep them in line.”

Mr Ojetola said: “I’m thrilled. They have a saying, always the bridesmaid, never the bride…I was so sceptical that I would get it that I didn’t even tell my wife.”

“I’m also pleased it was unananimous. It’s important because it just shows that we can work together.”

Former Mayor Sue Gray, who looked emotional as tributes poured in from around the chamber, said she felt “relieved” to be stepping down.

She said: “It was so lovely the words people said. I’m relieved to be honest, finally I get a chance to be ‘me’ again.”

Mrs Gray, who said she attended 608 events over the past year, said she has plans to set up community lunches.