The Conservatives have lost control of Castle Point Council following a dramatic election count. 

The Tories lost six seats to the People's Independent Party, meaning it no longer has the largest percentage of seats on the council. 

Leader Andrew Sheldon and deputy leader Paul Varker were high-profile losses for the Tories. 

It is understood Mr Sheldon was not present during the count at the Waterside Farm Leisure Centr on Friday.

The Canvey Island Independent Party now has the most seats on the council with 16. 

>> Follow our live blog for all the latest news on the south Essex elections<<

All of its candidates retained their seats on the island. 

The Conservatives now have 15 seats and People's Independent Party ten. 

The Tories went into the election with a slim majority of one. 

Read more:

Discussions between the Canvey Independents and People's Independents are now expected to take place over a possible coalition. 

Speaking before results were announced, Canvey Independent leader Dave Blackwell said: "The campaign has been good and we've done our best. "Unfortunately, turnout doesn't look that good.

"I think people are fed up with what's going on in Government.

"If Independents on the main land gain a few seats then of course we'll look at a coalition."