The Green Party won their second Essex council seat after a narrow victory in the Braintree District.
James Abbott received 1,209 votes to take Witham Northern from conservative incumbent Michael Larger (1,120) in a dramatic three-way battle, with Ukip candidate David Hodges (1,148) coming second.
Mr Abbott told the Chronicle: "I've stood in every election in the same area since 1989. I'd just like to thank all the people who supported us.
"This result shows Greens can win against anyone. We've got a lot of work to do in reforming the council – we're not going to work on tribal politics."
Despite finishing third, Mr Larger was upbeat about his campaign, he said: "We had amazing support, but the national politics has affected the local vote.
"We rescued the council from a moribund position and have left it in a sound financial footing. No services have been cut and we held off council tax demands."
The other big result was Graham Butland (Con) holding off a strong Labour challenge from Paul Edwards (1,121) to retain Braintree Town by 31 votes.
"I'm just so relieved – I expected to lose. I'm absolutely delighted, our whole team worked so hard during the campaign," said councillor Butland.
In general it was a successful night for the Conservatives as they also held Hedingham, Three Field with Great Notley, Braintee Eastern, and Witham Southern.
Ukip also made gains, with Gordon Helm winning Bocking (1,340), as the party came second in six out a possible eight seats.
Michael Ford, Ukip candidate for Halstead, said: "People are starting to listen to what we've been saying for a while and are making a stand against the government."
James Abbott received 1,209 votes to take Witham Northern from conservative incumbent Michael Larger (1,120) in a dramatic three-way battle, with Ukip candidate David Hodges (1,148) coming second.
Mr Abbott told the Chronicle: "I've stood in every election in the same area since 1989. I'd just like to thank all the people who supported us.
"This result shows Greens can win against anyone. We've got a lot of work to do in reforming the council – we're not going to work on tribal politics."
Despite finishing third, Mr Larger was upbeat about his campaign, he said: "We had amazing support, but the national politics has affected the local vote.
"We rescued the council from a moribund position and have left it in a sound financial footing. No services have been cut and we held off council tax demands."
The other big result was Graham Butland (Con) holding off a strong Labour challenge from Paul Edwards (1,121) to retain Braintree Town by 31 votes.
"I'm just so relieved – I expected to lose. I'm absolutely delighted, our whole team worked so hard during the campaign," said councillor Butland.
In general it was a successful night for the Conservatives as they also held Hedingham, Three Field with Great Notley, Braintee Eastern, and Witham Southern.
Ukip also made gains, with Gordon Helm winning Bocking (1,340), as the party came second in six out a possible eight seats.
Michael Ford, Ukip candidate for Halstead, said: "People are starting to listen to what we've been saying for a while and are making a stand against the government."
