The 2026 Rochford District Council election was held on 7 May 2026 to elect members of Rochford District Council in Essex, England. This was held on the same day as other local elections.
Prior to the election, the council was under no overall control, being run by a coalition of the Conservatives, Rochford District Residents and some of the independent councillors, led by Conservative councillor Danielle Belton. Reform UK won thirteen of the fifteen seats being contested at this election, and Danielle Belton lost her seat. The council remained under no overall control, but with Reform becoming the largest party on the council. They subsequently formed a minority administration, with Reform councillor Adi Malviya being appointed leader of the council at the annual council meeting on 19 May 2026.
Due to ongoing local government reorganisation, this will be the final election to Rochford District Council before it is abolished and replaced by a successor unitary authority. Elections to the successor authority are due to take place in 2027.
Summary
Background In 2024, the council remained under no overall control. The Liberal Democrats were the largest party.
Council composition After 2024 election Before 2026 election Party Seats Party Seats 10 10 11 7 8 7 1 1 9 12VacantN/AVacant2 Changes 2024–2026: May 2025: Richard Linden (Liberal Democrats), Bob Milne (Liberal Democrats) and Sarah Page (Liberal Democrats) leave party to sit as independents March 2026: Jim Cripps (Liberal Democrats) and Elliot Mason (Rochford Residents) resign – seats left vacant until 2026 election
Election result
Incumbents
Ward Incumbent councillorParty Re-standing Downhall & Rawreth Chris Stanley Liberal Democrats Yes Foulness & The Wakerings Jo McPherson Independent No Hawkwell East Deborah Squires-Coleman Rochford Resident Yes Hawkwell West Julie Gooding Independent No Hockley John Mason Rochford Resident No Hockley & Ashingdon Danielle Belton Conservative Yes Hullbridge Stuart Wilson Independent No Lodge Richard Lambourne Independent No Roche North & Rural Laureen Shaw Conservative Yes Roche South Mike Steptoe Conservative Yes Sweyne Park & Grange Vilma Wilson Rochford Resident Yes Trinity David Sharp Liberal Democrats No Wheatley Andrew Cross Liberal Democrats Yes
Candidates
Downhall & Rawreth
Foulness & The Wakerings
Hawkwell East
Hawkwell West
Hockley
Hockley & Ashingdon
Hullbridge
Lodge
Roche North & Rural
Roche South
Sweyne Park & Grange
Trinity
Wheatley
By-elections Sweyne Park & Grange A by-election was held following the resignation of councillor Stuart Prior.
References