7 minutes ago Simon DedmanEssex political reporter, Grays BBC New council leader Richard Bingley said he wants to restore "civic pride" in Thurrock Reform UK has taken control of Thurrock Council, with Richard Bingley appointed leader of the debt-hit authority. The party won 45 of 49 seats in the 7 May elections and took cabinet positions, the mayoralty and most of the committee posts at its first full council meeting.