TORY Southend councillors have elected a new leader as they prepare to fight to keep control of the council in May.

James Courtenay was named as new leader of the Conservative Group following a meeting on Friday night.

Mr Courtenay, who has represented Blenheim Park Ward since 2011, says he is looking forward to the Tories retaining control of the council in May.

He pledged to play his part in tackling the crime and anti-social behaviour across the town, and to invest in roads,the pier and looking after those most vulnerable in our town.

He has served as councillor responsible for children and learning and as deputy council leader and executive councillor for growth since May 2018.

Current Tory leader John Lamb will step down as leader after the elections and is  likely to become Mayor of Southend in May.

Mr Lamb, leader of Southend Council and outgoing Tory leader, said: “I’m delighted to announce that James Courtenay was elected to lead our Group into the next election.

"James has been a councillor since 2011 and been instrumental in steering the Council through many big projects for the town.

"James has been fantastic as my deputy for the past year and I wish him all the best for the forthcoming year.

Mr Courtenay said: “I’d like to thank John for his decades of service to the town and the Conservative Group.

"He has led this council through some challenging times with a major shack up of council finances imposed by central government.

"Nevertheless, he has delivered a leaner, more efficient council for the residents of Southend and been instrumental in bringing major changes to the town, through the Better Queensway project which will deliver 1,600 new homes to the centre of Southend, £50m of investment in the seaways area and the delivery of the Airport Business Park which will bring hundreds of new, higher paid jobs to our town.

“I am looking forward to getting the Conservative Administration returned to the Civic Centre, so that I can roll my sleeves up and play my part in tackling the crime and anti-social behaviour we are experiencing across the town, and to invest further in our roads, pier and looking after those most vulnerable in our town. I want Southend to be the best place to live, work and play in the country.”

Also at the meeting Tony Cox was elected as the new deputy leader of the Conservative Group.

Mr Courtenay said: “I am pleased to welcome Tony Cox to the team, to be my deputy. He brings with him a vast array of experience from various portfolios across the Council including housing, transport and waste.”

Cllr Cox said: “I look forward to working with James over the next couple of months to ensure the Conservatives maintain the administration at the Council, so that we can continue the work we have started over the last year and deliver on the recent improvements we have announced for our town.”