BASILDON has its second Reform UK councillor as the party has celebrated its latest victory at the ballot boxes. Sam Journet has been elected as councillor for St Martin’s in the by-election which took place on July 17 reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

Mr Journet won with 1,057 votes at the polling stations. The turnout for the by-election was 24.65 per cent. He says “”Basildon is broken, Reform will fix it.”

Elizabeth Atkinson, Labour candidate got 83 votes, Deepak Roy, Conservative candidate received 320 votes, Eleanor Matthewman for the Green Party, had 82 votes at the polls, Simon Breedon, candidate for the Social Democratic Party, received 13, Andrew Buxton, Independent Trade Unionist and Socialist candidate, took home 26 votes, Michael Chandler, Lib Dem candidate, got 39 votes at the polling stations.

It’s the second by-election in a month and the second won by Reform UK in that time.  Sarah Shields, won in the Wickford Park seat on Thursday June 26. The by-election was called after the death of long-serving councillor and former mayor David Harrison, in April.

Mr Journet said: “I am incredibly grateful to the fantastic residents of Basildon for choosing me as their representative on Basildon Council. I will work tirelessly for the betterment of its people and the town of Basildon itself.

“I’m no career politician, I’m a local lad who is passionate about Basildon. From being homeless at 13 to building one of the UK’s top-rated independent jewellers, right here in St Martin’s ward. Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to support me throughout the campaign, allowing us to speak to thousands of residents in the last few weeks.

“I will be donating my councillor allowance each month to good causes in Basildon as chosen by the local residents. If I can help local charities make Basildon great again, then I’m here to help out. The open-borders Labour Party think they have a God-given right to govern over Basildon, no wonder they worked so hard to cancel the elections across Essex in May. To the patriots that lent us their support – we hear you, we will fight for you, and we will win for you.”

The St Martin’s by-election was called after Maryum Yaqub has resigned from Basildon Council. She was previously a councillor responsible for digital futures and data analytics, however she was not chosen during the latest reshuffle of senior roles earlier this year.

A spokesman for Reform UK South Basildon and East Thurrock, said: “Congratulations to Newly elected Councillor Sam Journet. He did it. Wishing you every success from the team. The hard work has paid off and now we have two councillors on Basildon Council. Well done Sam, Basildon and Billericay branch and all the wonderful volunteers who did an outstanding job. St Martins Ward, Basildon, you now have a Reform UK councillor. We’re very proud of you Sam.”