THE leader of Harlow Council has made a robust defence of his parties record in running Harlow Council over the past year.

In the traditional “State of Harlow” address, cllr Jon Clempner looked back and looked forward at achievements and plans for Harlow.

He was backed up by a number of passionate speeches by his colleagues including a most passionate one by cllr Tony Durcan.

His comments came as the debut leader of the Harlow Conservatives, cllr Jon Clempner made a withering attack on Labour’s record.