BASILDON'S Conservative leader Andrew Baggott is in hospital recovering from surgery after he suffered from a stroke, it has been confirmed.

The Tory opposition leader suffered from a stroke at his home on Sunday morning, the party announced this afternoon.

Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay John Baron, passed on his best wishes to Mr Baggott, the former leader of the council. He said: "Our thoughts are with Andy and all the family.

"We have been in touch and are rallying round, and hope very much that he gets better soon"

READ MORE:

A spokesman from Basildon Conservatives, said: "On Sunday morning, the Leader of Basildon Conservatives, Andrew Baggott, suffered a suspected stroke at his home and is currently in hospital recovering from surgery.

"All of us at Basildon Conservatives are keeping Andy and his family in our thoughts and we wish him a full and speedy recovery and we look forward to his return to the council.

"In the interim, his deputy, Anthony Hedley, will be stepping in as acting leader of the Conservative group and any residents of Burstead Ward with casework are requested to contact his ward colleague, councillor Richard Moore."