LABOUR leader John Kent emerged unscathed from his fight to retain his Grays Riverside seat.

He said: "I'd like to thank the returning officer and all her officers for all their work and my agent Carl Morris.

"I'm looking forward to getting back to normality and working hard for all the people of Grays Riverside."

Liberal Democrat candidate Claire Jones said: "I will be standing again, I didn't campaign this time but I will next time.

"My congratulations to the Labour candidate."

Result:

John Kent (Lab)720

Paul Coutts (Con) 473

Jamie Strickson (BNP) 398

Claire Jones (Lib Dem) 130

Maj 247 Lab hold

Turnout 24%