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Following this year’s local elections, Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba reflects on the results, thanks residents for their support, and pays tribute to two respected councillors who lost their seats. He also outlines Labour’s commitment to continuing its work for local communities across Southend and Rochford.

MP David Burton-Sampson hosted a youth day with over 70 Southend students discussing amenities, business support, mental health, and neurodiversity, highlighting the power of youth engagement and resilience through sport.

Targeted patrols across Essex hotspots led to 353 arrests, reducing anti-social behaviour by 13% and serious violence by 11%, while boosting community confidence and safety through high-visibility policing and partnerships.

As Knife Crime Awareness Week (18–24 May) begins, Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (Essex VVU) is shining a light on the importance of listening to young people and working with them to prevent knife harm.

Anna Firth and David Stanley BEM took on the annual “Tackle the Tower” charity abseil at Southend Hospital, raising record amounts to help take the Southend-born Music Man Project to Broadway this October.

The lease for Southend’s historic Kursaal building has officially been assigned to new operators, paving the way for essential repairs, phased restoration works, and the long-awaited return of the iconic seafront landmark.

A Southend woman has been fined £795 after being prosecuted for unlawfully using a Blue Badge when the registered holder was not present. Southend-on-Sea City Council says it will continue taking a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and misuse of disabled parking permits.

Southend’s Green Party group has doubled in size following strong local election results, with the party confirming new committee appointments and pledging to remain independent while pushing for action on key local priorities.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has confirmed its new Joint Administration for 2026/27, with Labour continuing to lead alongside the Liberal Democrats and support from the Rochford and Southend East Independent Group. Councillor Daniel Cowan remains Leader as a refreshed Cabinet is unveiled.

Classic Cars on the Beach is returning to Southend seafront for summer 2026, bringing vintage vehicles, nostalgia and a regular monthly attraction to City Beach from May through to October.