COUNCILLOR Maureen Pearce was elected the new mayor of Thurrock at the Full Council meeting last night.

The Conservative Stifford Clays ward councillor has been deputy mayor to Councillor John Everett for the last year.

She said: “I look forward to doing all I can to represent and assist all who live in Thurrock.

“I’d like to thank the out going mayor Councillor John Everett and his wife June for all their hard work undertaken in representing Thurrock.”

Councillor Everett, who celebrated his 80th birthday last month, said he had taken great pleasure meeting the young and the old from around the borough and that he took pride in supporting the Thurrock Community Chest and helping raise £12,000 for the Thurrock Children’s Musical Trust.

He said: “It has been a joy, an honour and a privilege to serve the borough.”

Leader of the Council Garry Hague paid tribute to the outgoing mayor.

He said: “Each mayor brings their own unique style and John brought his own unique and memorable style and we’ve certainly has some laughs on the way.

“He represented the borough at around 300 events during the year and did a sterling job.”

Councillor John Kent, leader of the Labour group, added: “Councillor Everett threw himself into the job and was a strong advocate for Thurrock. His enthusiasm and openness to new ideas was quite refreshing.”

Leader of the Independent Group Councillor Barry Palmer also had praise for Councillor Everett.

He said: “John will be able to reflect on his year in office with great pride. I wish both him and his wife all the best, and a good rest.”

Deputy Mayor of Thurrock for the coming year will be Stanford-le-Hope West Councillor Eddie Hardiman.

The Labour party put forward Councillor Peter Maynard and Councillor Andy Smith as candidates for mayor and deputy mayor but were unsuccessful after Independent councillors Barry Palmer and John Purkiss, along with BNP councillor Emma Colgate, voted with the Conservatives.