2009 Essex County Council election

2005 election Composition of council seats before election ==Summary==

The Conservatives were re-elected with an increased majority. As in several other Tory councils, the Liberal Democrats replaced Labour as the main opposition party as Labour lost all but one seat, reflecting the Labour Party's declining national popularity at that time. A notable feature of this election was the number of minor parties and local groups. These included right wing and anti-European parties, that appear to have siphoned support from the main parties and, in some divisions, out-polled them. Local groups enjoyed strong local support, challenging the successful candidates and winning seats. ==Results summary==

In summaries, Labour and Labour Co-operative results are amalgamated. In multi-member divisions, the "majority" is the number of votes by which the loser with the highest number of votes fell short of being elected. Election of Group Leaders Paul White (Stock) was re elected leader of the Conservative Group and Tom Smith-Hughes (Chelmsford North) was re elected leader of the Liberal Democratic Group. In April 2012, Smith-Hughes died after a long battle with cancer. Deputy leader Michael Mackrory (Springfield) was elected to replace him. Election of Leader of the Council Paul White the leader of the Conservative group was duly elected leader of the council and formed a conservative administration. White was forced to resign after being charged with false accounting as part of the ongoing expenses scandal. Peter Martin (Chelmer) was elected as his successor, with David Finch (Hedingham) as his deputy. ==Results by District==

Basildon District Summary Division Results Braintree District Summary Division Results Brentwood District Summary Division Results Castle Point District Summary Division Results Chelmsford District Summary Division Results Colchester District Summary Division Results Epping Forest District Summary Division Results Harlow District Summary Division Results Maldon District Summary Division Results Rochford District Summary Division Results Tendring District Summary Division Results Uttlesford District Summary Division Results ==By-elections==

Harlow West A by-election was held following the disqualification of Cllr Lee Dangerfield (Conservative) for non-attendance. No BNP (14.2%) or Green (11.0%) candidates as previous. Chelmsford Central A by-election was called following the death of Cllr Margaret Hutcheon (Liberal Democrat). No Green (8.2%) or BNP (6.1%) candidates as previous. Stock A by-election was called due to the disqualification of Cllr Paul White, Lord Hanningfield (Conservative) after he was sentenced to nine months in prison for false accounting. No BNP candidate as previous (7.8%). Chelmsford North A by-election was called due to the death of Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes (Liberal Democrat). No BNP candidate as previous (6.2%). ==External links==