A NEW leader of the main opposition group on Braintree Council has been named.

Jo Beavis has become leader of the Independent and Green Group.

She takes over from Green councillor James Abbott, who moves to deputy leader.

Following the district elections, the ruling Conservatives have 26 seats on Braintree Council - down 7.

The Independent and Green Group were up two seats to 11, Labour were up six to nine seats and Halstead Residents were down one to three.

Independent Hedingham councillor Mrs Beavis said: "The Green and Independent doorstep election campaigning in the May 4 Local Elections proved popular with the residents of the Braintree district.

"I am pleased the Independent and Green Group has formed and becomes the main opposition group at the council which demonstrates both our composition of councillors and joint collaboration.

"As well as focusing on our work as the main opposition group, the I and G Group will commence planning for the 2025 Essex County Council local elections where community engagement will remain a top priority."

Silver End and Cressing Green councillor Mr Abbott added: "“In what was a hard-fought election campaign, our policies were very well supported, with nearly 17,000 votes cast for Green and Independent candidates across the district.

"This is the third election in a row that Greens and Independents working together have come second to the Tories across Braintree district and at these elections with the highest number of councillors elected to date.”