PROPOSALS to change Thurrock Council’s electoral cycle from a one-year plan to a four-year plan have been backed by the opposition.

Councillor Phil Anderson, Conservative leader, agreed at last week’s cabinet meeting that the four-year cycle meant less uncertainty for many voters.

The suggestion from a 2011 independent ‘peer review’ was many people were uncertain of the annual election cycle and said a four-year election cycle would be more beneficial to voters.

Mr Anderson said politicians were concerned about the confrontational nature of Thurrock politics, and annual elections certainly don’t help.

He said: “With control of the council effectively up for grabs every year, we are in almost permanent election mode and that can hinder politicians from making long-term decisions in the interest of the borough.

“I accept that in other areas of the country where one party dominates it might help to keep democracy fresh, but in Thurrock we already have strong oppositions and our problems are more about political instability than lack of scrutiny.”

“Fewer elections would save money, and at the moment I would rather be spending that money on protecting local services. The Conservatives will participate fully and positively in this review. I am sure that there will be pros and cons either way, but if we are serious about raising the reputation of politics locally then I think we have to consider it.”