Councillor Brian Essex
Rossendale Conservative leader
MAY I introduce myself to you? I am Brian Essex. I was elected for the fourth time, last week, to represent Helmshore.
You may remember that I have previously served as leader of the Conservative Group back in 2012 and I stood down upon election as Mayor.
Many people in Rossendale will know that I was a headteacher for twenty-five years. I was proud to be the Branch Secretary of the Bolton Branch of the Head’s Union and I served as President of the NorthWest Region while representing Greater Manchester on the NAHT`s national council. When I retired I became secretary of our family company and did the VAT, Corporation tax, Capital Gains, Company House returns, National Insurance – all aspects of running a business.
My experience spans both the public and private sectors which will be invaluable in the role of leading the Conservative Group and prospective Leader of the Council. I want to take this opportunity to thank the electors of Helmshore for placing their trust in me to be their councillor for the next four years. It is both an honour and a privilege to serve the community in which I live and love so much. Representing a ward is a huge responsibility and I will do my best to be a strong voice and continue to help and assist all Helmshore residents to the best of my ability.
The results saw mixed results across England but here the Conservatives won the popular vote. In Rossendale the result was Conservatives 6, Labour 5, Community First 1 and in Darwen, Conservatives 9 and Labour 6. These wins build upon the excellent results in the County elections last year when the result was Conservatives 5 and Labour 0. However, there is much to be done in the coming months to continue to persuade the electors that radical change can happen. The re-opening of the Helmshore Textile Museums by the new County Council shows that Council priorities can match residents’ priorities. I was elected unopposed by the Conservative Group and I pay tribute to Coun Annabel Shipley for her hard work leading the Group, as acting leader, and doing a great job in the recent election. I also want to thank County Coun David Foxcroft, for his spirited campaign in Goodshaw - he came within 39 votes of unseating the Leader of the Council. There are many people to thank for the local elections – those officers who organise the whole process, those who man the polling stations and count the thousands of votes, the candidates - all candidates want to do the best for their communities – and lastly the elected councillors – you now have the responsibility to serve your communities. Lastly, a big thank you to all those who voted.