ONE of Thurrock’s longest serving councillors has resigned.

Former mayor Ian Harrison will stand down from his ten year post as councillor for Corringham and Fobbing tomorrow (Saturday).

As well as serving as mayor between 2004 and 2005, Mr Harrison, who joined Thurrock Council in 2000 has championed the issues of residents in Chafford Hundred, Corringham and Fobbing.

During a full council meeting in July members unanimously accepted Mr Harrison’s lack of attendance at meetings to care for his partner Daphne Hart, who died in September.

Mr Harrison, from Corringham, said in a letter to chief executive Graham Farrant: “I am so proud to have met so many people in all walks of life committed to making our area a better one.

“I am extremely grateful to the voters of both wards for putting their trust in me.”

He added: “The time has now come for me to acknowledge my part in this process must come to an end.

“I have learnt from both members and officials of the council of their enduring efforts to help out part of Essex, improve its facilities and services in the interests of the entire community.”

In October 2010 Mr Harrison announced his resignation from the South Basildon and East Thurrock Conservative Association and become a Thurrock Concerned Conservative.

There will be no by-election for his seat, which was due for election next May.