Rochford District Council

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Conservatives have held onto control of Rochford District Council.

The family of Terry Cutmore, who represented Rochford North on Essex County Council, has confirmed he has died of coronavirus.

He was described as a "generous, clever, witty man and a loving father".

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Council leader David Finch described Mr Cutmore as "extremely well-liked" - and a man who was "committed to serving his residents".

MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, Mark Francois, said Mr Cutmore would be "sorely missed", especially at Rochford District Council which he had led for 15 years.

Hundreds of ballot papers were rejected across Essex with many people making their feelings on Brexit and politics in general known by spoiling their papers.

Basildon Council saw 794 papers rejected while more than 280 were spoiled in Rochford.

Some voters have said they spoilt their ballots in protest against the government handling of Brexit and the lack of a party to represent them.

The Conservatives have lost control of four councils across Essex.

Chelmsford City Council was the scene of the biggest surprise. The Lib Dems overturned a 45-seat majority to take over the authority.

Southend, Basildon and Tendring fell to no overall control, while Thurrock and Colchester also remained without an outright majority.

There were Conservative holds in Castle Point, Maldon, Epping, Rochford, Brentwood and Braintree.

Harlow stayed under Labour control.

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The Conservatives have retained control of Rochford District Council with several early holds and a gain in Roche North and Rural.

The party started the day with 26 of 39 seats.

Polling has begun for elections for some district and unitary councils in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

Across the country, 150 local authorities are electing new councillors, and there are six mayoral contests.

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Councils holding elections here are:

• Cambridgeshire: Cambridge City and Peterborough City
• Essex: Colchester Borough, Basildon District, Harlow, Brentwood Borough, Castle Point Borough, Rochford District and Southend Borough
• Norfolk: Great Yarmouth Borough and Norwich City
• Suffolk: Ipswich Borough

In most places, a third of seats are being contested.

Polling stations close at 22:00 and BBC East will be providing live online coverage afterwards.