In the Thurrock parliamentary constituency, Labour candidate Jen Craft has emerged victorious, ending the Conservative Dame Jackie Doyle-Price’s 14-year reign. The victory was announced at the Tilbury Cruise Terminal, where the count took place under the management of Thurrock Council.
However, the night was marred by issues with the count in the neighbouring South Basildon and East Thurrock constituency. The initial count showed Reform candidate James McMurdock winning with around 12,000 votes, but a recount was called after concerns over botched counting procedures. This recount is scheduled to take place later today at the Town Hall in Grays.
The initial results in South Basildon and East Thurrock placed Labour’s Jack Ferguson in second place, followed by Conservative Stephen Metcalfe. Other candidates trailed behind, with Independent Neil Speight polling over 1,900 votes. The issues with the count dragged on until the early morning hours, with a full recount scheduled for later today.
Meanwhile, Labour supporters in Thurrock celebrated Jen Craft’s victory at an after-poll party or home.
The UK has witnessed its first change in government in 14 years following the Labour Party’s landslide victory early Friday in a general election. This election saw the Conservative Party suffer its biggest defeat ever. Labour secured 412 of the 650 parliamentary seats, while the Conservatives were reduced to 121. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak managed to save his seat, many of his Cabinet ministers were unsuccessful.
The new government faces a daunting array of challenges, including tackling the country’s sluggish economic and social malaise. These issues have been exacerbated by Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and several Conservative Party scandals.
