Brightlingsea has its first Reform councillor.

Andy Gordon joins the town council after being ‘elected’ – a technical term as he was the only candidate after nominations closed on February 3.

He replaces Mat Court, who stood down to concentrate on running for election to Essex County Council in May.

Mr Gordon has lived in Brightlingsea for eight years. He is chair of the Brightlingsea regatta committee, helps to organise and run the town’s music festival, and rows with a local club.

The Harwich and North Essex Branch of Reform UK said his joining the council was “a win for everyone in our community who is tired of the status quo and ready for real change”.