At a Glance
- Local elections provide an important opportunity for residents to influence the future of their communities.
- Labour remains the largest party on Southend-on-Sea City Council despite national challenges.
- Two dedicated councillors lost their seats, but the campaign saw strong community engagement across Southend and Rochford.
- The focus remains on unity, community support, and delivering improvements for local people.
Local elections are always an important opportunity for residents to have their say about the future of their communities. They are also an opportunity for elected representatives to listen and reflect. Southend and Rochford are special places because of the strength of our communities and the willingness of local people to come together and support one another.
Throughout the campaign, residents spoke passionately about the issues that matter most to them: safer streets, stronger local services, support for our high streets, better opportunities for young people, and pride in the places they call home.
While the Labour Party nationally faced a challenging set of circumstances, Labour remains the largest party on Southend-on-Sea City Council. That is an important result and reflects the hard work of our councillors, candidates, and volunteers, as well as the trust that many residents continue to place in Labour to stand up for local people. I will continue working every day with Labour councillors and campaigners to support local people and deliver real improvements across Southend and Rochford.
Grateful for Your Support
I am enormously grateful to everyone who took the time to engage with our campaign across Southend and Rochford. I would also like to thank every resident who came out to support their local Labour councillors in this year’s local elections. Every conversation on the doorstep, every volunteer session, and every vote cast was greatly appreciated.
At a time when some seek to divide our communities, I believe we should focus on the values that unite us. David Burton-Sampson and I, with Labour councillors and campaigners, will continue working together to build stronger communities and deliver the brighter future that Southend and Rochford deserve.
Service Above Politics
I was deeply saddened to see two outstanding councillors, Laurie Burton and Lydia Hyde, lose their seats in Southend. Both have worked tirelessly on behalf of local residents and made a real and lasting contribution to our city. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to public service have improved the lives of countless people, and their contribution to Southend should be recognised and celebrated.
At the same time, I have been inspired by the positive response we received across Southend and Rochford, and by the determination of our candidates and campaign teams.
Thank you all for your support.
By Bayo Alaba
MP for Southend East and Rochford
Contact: 01702 844754
Email: bayo.alaba.mp@parliament.uk