A COMMUNITY stalwart who has dedicated his life to helping islanders for 51 years has lost his seat on Castle Point Council.

Conservative stalwart Ray Howard was edged out by David Thomas of the Canvey Island Independent Party, by 48 votes.

Veteran Mr Howard, said: “It’s very hard out there these days.

“I am disappointed.

“Today I celebrated being a member for Canvey Island for 51 years, I was elected in 1968.

“There’s got to be a time when you have to say goodbye.

“Brexit, in my view, was definitely on the agenda.

“I feel I’ve worked well for Canvey Island and worked hard for all these years and when you’ve got the climate against you like that, and there’s an alternative - the mainland didn’t have that so much.

“They didn’t vote Labour, they just wanted to show their protest and vote indepedent and that’s what they did, and it’s an easy way out.

“But what they can do? It will be like the county council.

“The county council are controlled by the Conservatives. The Independents are there, but are they a voice?

“Well I was a voice, but I’ve stood down now.”

He added: “I can have a rest - I’ve not been well. I can get myself mended. It will be a different life.”

Several members of the party were sad to see Mr Howard leave after 51 long years as a Canvey West councillor.

Indeed Mr Howard even has a street named after him.

Many crowded around the now former councillor to give their well wishes.

One even shouted “It’s a disgrace”.

Andrew Sheldon, chairman of Castle Point Conservatives, said: “All of our candidates worked very hard and I am very pleased we retained eight of our ten council seats up for election tonight, and Castle Point has soundly rejected Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party in every ward.

“It is however a very sad night for Canvey and its residents.

“Ray Howard has been the greatest voice and loudest champion for Canvey for the past 50 years.

“No-one has secured more investment or improvements for the island in its history. “Fighting for Canvey is in Ray’s blood and I have no doubt that even after tonight he will keep on fighting for the island he loves and the residents he has given his life to serving.”

Andrew Sheldon, chairman of Castle Point Conservatives, said: “All of our candidates worked very hard and I am very pleased we retained eight of our ten council seats up for election tonight, and Castle Point has soundly rejected Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party in every ward.

“It is however a very sad night for Canvey and it’s residents.

“Ray Howard has been the greatest voice and loudest champion for Canvey for the past 50 years.

“No-one has secured more investment or improvements for the island in its history. “Fighting for Canvey is in Ray’s blood and I have no doubt that even after tonight he will keep on fighting for the island he loves and the residents he has given his life to serving.”