THURROCK Council leader Terry Hipsey came through a four way fight to retain his Stanford-le-Hope West seat by a comfortable margin.

Anita Nuss, widow of former Labour councillor Alphonse, was 268 votes behind, with the BNP third and local businessman Clive Broad's UKIP challenge fading away with just 165 votes.

CouncillorHipsey said: "I would like to thank the electorate who have given us the go-ahead for another two years."

Result:

Terry Hipsey (Con) 718

Anita Nuss (Lab)450

Anita Jessop (BNP) 275

Clive Broad (UKIP)165

Maj 268

Con hold

Turnout 34%