BASILDON Labour have elected Gavin Callaghan as their new group leader following the elections. 

Mr Callaghan, who represents the Labour Party, was once the former leader of Basildon Council.

However, he stepped down as a councillor in June 2021 with immediate effect due to “pursuing other interests both at home and abroad”.

But, in the election this year, he returned and was elected to represent the St Martin's ward. 

Today, the Basildon Labour Group has confirmed they have now elected him as the new group leader. 

He will take over as leader from councillor Maryam Yaqub, who was the previous leader of the Labour Group before the elections.

Councillor Adele Brown has been elected as the new deputy group leader.

Mr Callaghan said: “This has been a phenomenal few weeks for the Basildon Labour Party.

"Having devised and coordinated the campaign that took us to our highest number of councillors in a quarter of a century, I am delighted to once again have the unanimous support of my Labour colleagues to lead our group.

“As Labour leader, I intend to ensure that our three main areas of priority are the focus of any administration that we seek to form.

“We will sort the chaotic bins system out, including returning to weekly collections and scrapping the sacks.

"We will offer a more comprehensive package of support for people struggling with the cost of living crisis and we will get to work on the regeneration of Laindon, Basildon and Wickford town centres ensuring there is a thriving retail, food and beverage and leisure offer.

“Our job has been made harder by a humiliated outgoing Conservative administration that has mismanaged public money on a scale never seen before, but we are determined to make good on our promises.

“This year marks 75 years since the Labour Party created the Basildon new town. It is fitting that we are seeking to return to office in this milestone year.

"The promise of the new town should be renewed so that we can all believe in Basildon again. Listening to our residents and delivering at pace, will be the bedrocks of our work.”