Change in Leadership at Rochford District Council – A Step Backward for Residents

Rochford District Council has seen a dramatic change in leadership, with the administration shifting from Liberal Democrat-led to Conservative control. This follows the decision by the Rochford District Residents (RDR) group to form a coalition with the very party they have consistently criticised.

The Liberal Democrat Group is dismayed by this political U-turn. Residents who supported independent candidates expected them to hold the Conservatives to account—not hand them back control of the council chamber.

Cllr James Newport, former  Leader of the Council, said:

"RDR councillors were elected on a promise to challenge the status quo. Instead, they've propped it back up. This is a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the electorate."

The Liberal Democrats express serious concerns about what this shift in power means for the future of the district. Under previous Conservative administrations:

Millions in public money were squandered on failed schemes and aborted projects.

The local plan was effectively abandoned—with just one Planning Policy Committee meeting held in the entire 2022/23 municipal year. The Conservatives simply didn’t do the work.

Overdevelopment ran unchecked, with no proper planning for roads, schools, or local services.

We are also alarmed that two of the eight members of the so-called Rochford District Residents group do not even live in the district. The new Deputy Leader, along with Cllr Elliott Mason, reportedly reside hundreds of miles away—raising serious questions about representation and accountability. It's simply unacceptable that people who do not live here are now making decisions on behalf of our communities.

Rather than making a power grab, the Deputy Leader should reflect on their position and do the right thing by stepping down.

We will continue to be a strong opposition voice—fighting for transparency, responsible leadership, and a council that puts residents first.