A PAIR of prominent former councillors have made a triumphant return to Southend council while one of the longest-standing council members lost out.

Former Conservative party leader James Courtenay is celebrating after winning the Chalkwell ward two years after his exit.

While James Moyies, former Vote Leave regional director for the east of England, is also back after winning Shoebury ward.

Mr Courtenay, who was also Southend’s education boss, dramatically lost his seat in 2019 after finishing behind both an Independent and a Labour candidate.

He said: “I’m delighted to return to the council and it’s great that it’s for Chalkwell where I grew up.

“It’s good to see we have got some gains. It will help us to start rebuilding our part on the council.”

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Mr Moyies, who lost his council seat in 2018 after standing in the Thorpe ward, said: “I’m delighted. Shoebury is a very big part of the town and it needs to be listened to.

“I think what should happen now is that we, the largest party, should be able to put forward our manifesto which we presented to the public.”

“We need a stable administration going forward. We’ve got to look at the recent hike in parking charges and support residents and local businesses. We want to attract people to come to Southend and boost local jobs. There’s plenty of work to be done.”

New Belfairs councillor Jack Warren, 30, ousted veteran Independent Stephen Aylen.

The former journalist started out on Southend Hospital radio before going on to work for BBC Essex, the Daily Express and LBC radio.

He said: “I think it’s about seeing how things are going and thinking that you could do a good job rather than complaining about it.

“We won and I look forward to getting on with the job and putting residents first and trying to make positive changes.”