CONSERVATIVES suffered a bad night as they lost overall control of Thurrock Council.

The ruling Tory group held six seats, gained just one but most importantly lost three vital seats.

The Tory heads to roll included Transport Portfolio member, Leo Milan-Vega who lost his seat in Stifford Clays, West Thurrock and South Stifford's Georgette Polley and Stanford East and Corringham councillor Hazel Daniels.

Tory leader, Terry Hipsey said: "I'm disappointed by the low turnout. That has clearly had an effect upon us. Voters are disillusioned by the Labour government on a variety of issues including immigration and that has effected us."

He added: "But we have four new Tory councillors and so I look forward to working with them."

The Labour party was delighted with its night's work, holding five seats, losing in the Homesteads but vitally gaining Stanford East and Corringham, Stifford Clays and West Thurrock/ South Stifford.

The election will also be remembered for a remarkable surge in support across all sixteen wards for the British National Party.

The party, who put up candidates in all 16 wards, did not gain any seats but came second in six wards - coming closest in Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park with former Councillor Nic Geri losing by just 42 votes.

New councillors reflected on their new found status New Labour councillor for Stanford East and Corringham Town, Roisin O'Reilly said: "I'm going to work with my colleagues and the leader and do the best I can. A lot of people are fed up with the way the Council is being run so hopefully with there being no overall control we will be able to help change things."Labour Candidate, Diane Hale was in reflective mood after gaining Stifford Clays from Leo Milan-Vega.

She said: "I want to improve the bus routes and grass verges and reduce graffiti in the ward. I think that the council tenants of Stifford Clays have voted me in because they have been appalled with the bills they have been getting from the Tories."

"Good people will choose their votes carefully and ensure democratic parties are returned to power."

West Thurrock and South Stifford's new Labour Councillor, Juliann Burkey, said: "I am so proud to represent the people of Thurrock in a positive way. I'm just a mum who had had enough and wanted to make a difference."

Successful candidates who had held onto their seats reflected on a variety of issues.

Independent Councillor for East Tilbury John Purkiss said: "Turnout is down by 10 per cent in East Tilbury. That's disappointing. The warning signs are there for all to see."

Labour candidate Val Morris-Cook, celebrating her third wedding anniversary with Carl Morris, said: "It's a fantastic result but I'm very sad to see the number of BNP votes being cast. The issues on the door were local issues. People vote BNP as a protest vote but when people see the results they will be horrified. They don't do any work when they get in."

Neil Rockcliffe held his Tory seat in Chafford and North Stafford in the only five horse race.

He said: "I am pleased that I have run an honest campaign. I've tried to reflect our prudent policies and haven't promised the earth to my constituents."

Defeated candidates reflected on an evening which left them empty handed.

Defeated Lib Dem candidate for Chafford Hundred, Earnshaw Palmer said: "I'm disappointed but it is the will of the people."

Mr Palmer issued a stark warning to the people of Thurrock.

He said: "I would worry for the economic ramifications of the BNP's success tonight. Businesses may think twice about investing in Thurrock."

Local Labour MPs Andrew Mackinlay and Angela Smith observed proceedings.