Conservative
Elections to Essex County Council took place on 4 May 2017 as part of the 2017 local elections.[2] All 75 councillors were elected from 70 electoral divisions, which each returned either one or two councillors by first-past-the-post voting for a four-year term of office.
The electoral divisions were the same as those used at the previous elections in 2009 and 2013. No elections were held in Thurrock or Southend-on-Sea, which are unitary authorities outside the area covered by the County Council.
In between the 2013 election and the 2017 election, the following council seats changed hands:
The election saw the Conservative Party retained overall control of the council, with an increased majority.
David Finch (Hedingham) was re elected leader of the Conservative Group, with Kevin Bentley (Stanway and Pyefleet) as his deputy.
Michael Mackrory (Springfield) was re elected leader of the Liberal Democratic Group, with Anne Turrell (Mile End and Highwoods) as his deputy.
Ivan Henderson (Harwich) was re elected leader of the Labour Group, with Julie Young (Wivenhoe St Andrew) as his deputy.
Chris Pond (Loughton Central) was elected leader of the Non-Aligned Group with James Abbott (Witham Northern) as his deputy.
David Finch the leader of the conservative group was duly elected leader of the council and formed a conservative administration.
District Summary
Division Results
Between 2013 and 2017, UKIP gained the Labour seat in a by-election, however it is shown as a hold as the comparison is made to the last full council election.
Between 2013 and 2017, the seat was won by the Independent candidate in a by-election, however it is shown as a gain as it is compared to the previous full council election.
The Conservative candidate was elected previously as a UKIP candidate and subsequently switched their party affiliation. The seat is therefore shown as a gain.
Stephenson's vote share change is compared to the 2017 result when he stood as a UKIP candidate.