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Articles by Simon Dedman
Security patrol 'abused power', council told
Security guards have been patrolling in Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford since last month Private security guards hired to patrol towns visited by asylum seekers "abused power" by handcuffing two female teenagers alleged to have been shoplifting, a council meeting heard. The guards had been hired by Reform UK-led Essex County Council in response to what it said were residents' concerns.
Council faces cuts after 'startling' £2m overspend
An Essex council has revealed it spent £2m more than it had budgeted for last year, including for staff on its payroll. The budgetary gap still exists for Castle Point Borough Council - and is forecast to be £4.5m for 2026-27. Angela Hutchings, the authority's chief executive, told the BBC shortfall was "startling" and due to reporting errors and said an investigation had been launched.
Withdrawn democracy reforms cost councils £5m
Essex councils spent more than £5m preparing for a major shake-up of local government before the plans were withdrawn, the BBC can reveal. The government is reviewing its proposal to replace the county's 15 councils with five all-purpose unitary authorities under local government reorganisation (LGR). Freedom of Information requests and council documents show 11 of the 15 councils have spent a combined £5,497,711 on LGR.
Withdrawn democracy reforms cost councils £5m
The authorities have been preparing for the biggest shake-up in local government in half a century. Essex councils spent more than £5m preparing for a major shake-up of local government before the plans were withdrawn, the BBC can reveal. The government is reviewing its proposal to replace the county's 15 councils with five all-purpose unitary authorities under local government reorganisation (LGR).
Withdrawn democracy reforms cost councils £5m
Withdrawn democracy reforms cost councils £5m Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter Mon, October 19, 2026 at 6:16 a.m. UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Essex County Council has spent £3.3m on local government reorganisation [JOHN FAIRHALL/BBC] Essex councils spent more than £5m preparing for a major shake-up of local government before the plans were withdrawn, the BBC can reveal.
Withdrawn democracy reforms cost councils £5m
Withdrawn democracy reforms cost councils £5m Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter Mon, 19 October 2026 at 6:16 am UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Essex County Council has spent £3.3m on local government reorganisation [JOHN FAIRHALL/BBC] Essex councils spent more than £5m preparing for a major shake-up of local government before the plans were withdrawn, the BBC can reveal.
Withdrawn democracy reforms cost councils £5m
Essex councils spent more than £5m preparing for a major shake-up of local government before the plans were withdrawn, the BBC can reveal. The government is reviewing its proposal to replace the county's 15 councils with five all-purpose unitary authorities under local government reorganisation (LGR). Freedom of Information requests and council documents show 11 of the 15 councils have spent a combined £5,497,711 on LGR.
Withdrawn democracy reforms cost councils £5m
Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter Mon 19 October 2026 at 6:16 am UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Essex County Council has spent £3.3m on local government reorganisation [JOHN FAIRHALL/BBC] Essex councils spent more than £5m preparing for a major shake-up of local government before the plans were withdrawn, the BBC can reveal.
Withdrawn democracy reforms cost councils £5m
Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter Mon, 19 October 2026 at 6:16 am UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Essex County Council has spent £3.3m on local government reorganisation [JOHN FAIRHALL/BBC] Essex councils spent more than £5m preparing for a major shake-up of local government before the plans were withdrawn, the BBC can reveal.
Vanguard patrols respond to 172 incidents
Follow Vanguard patrols respond to 172 incidents Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter Fri, October 16, 2026 at 9:44 AM EDT Nigel Farage joined one of the daily patrols in Chelmsford on Thursday [JOHN FAIRHALL/BBC] Private security teams hired by Essex County Council to patrol town centres have responded to 172 incidents in the first month of Operation Vanguard.
Police chief misleading on migrant crime - Farage
Nigel Farage has accused Essex Police's chief constable of "misleading" people about how many crimes are committed by asylum seekers. The Reform UK leader said Rachel Nolan was "completely wrong" to say nobody should be concerned about criminality from migrants housed at a base in MDP Wethersfield in north Essex.
Katie Amess: 'Dad's legacy is one of love'
Katie Amess said her father left behind a legacy of love The daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess said his legacy "is one of love" on the fifth anniversary of his death. Katie Amess told the BBC her father was remembered fondly by "thousands and thousands" of people and that she missed him terribly. Sir David was the Conservative MP for Southend West when he was stabbed to death while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on 15 October 2021.
Katie Amess: 'Dad's legacy is one of love'
The daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess said his legacy "is one of love" on the fifth anniversary of his death. Katie Amess told the BBC her father was remembered fondly by "thousands and thousands" of people and that she missed him terribly. Sir David was the Conservative MP for Southend West when he was stabbed to death while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on 15 October 2021.
Katie Amess: 'Dad's legacy is one of love'
Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter; Lewis Adams - Essex Thu, 15 October 2026 at 5:28 am UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Katie Amess said her father left behind a legacy of love [PA Media] The daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess said his legacy "is one of love" on the fifth anniversary of his death. Katie Amess told the BBC her father was remembered fondly by "thousands and thousands" of people and that she missed him terribly.
Katie Amess: 'Dad's legacy is one of love'
The daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess said his legacy "is one of love" on the fifth anniversary of his death. Katie Amess told the BBC her father was remembered fondly by "thousands and thousands" of people and that she missed him terribly. Sir David was the Conservative MP for Southend West when he was stabbed to death while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on 15 October 2021.
Katie Amess: 'Dad's legacy is one of love'
Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter; Lewis Adams - Essex Thu 15 October 2026 at 5:28 am UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Katie Amess said her father left behind a legacy of love [PA Media] The daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess said his legacy "is one of love" on the fifth anniversary of his death. Katie Amess told the BBC her father was remembered fondly by "thousands and thousands" of people and that she missed him terribly.
Katie Amess: 'Dad's legacy is one of love'
The daughter of murdered MP Sir David Amess said his legacy "is one of love" on the fifth anniversary of his death. Katie Amess told the BBC her father was remembered fondly by "thousands and thousands" of people and that she missed him terribly. Sir David was the Conservative MP for Southend West when he was stabbed to death while holding a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-Sea on 15 October 2021.
Job losses likely as council looks to save £170m
Follow Job losses likely as council looks to save £170m Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter at County Hall Wed, October 14, 2026 at 7:04 AM EDT Essex County Council is forecasting job cuts and a budget gap of £170m next year with its Reform UK leadership predicting "significant re-organisation and rationalisation will be necessary".
Job losses likely as council looks to save £170m
Reform UK says the cost of children's services is rising and government funding for Essex is unfair. Essex County Council is forecasting job cuts and a budget gap of £170m next year with its Reform UK leadership predicting "significant re-organisation and rationalisation will be necessary".
Job losses likely as council looks to save £170m
Job losses likely as council looks to save £170m Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter at County Hall Wed, October 14, 2026 at 11:04 a.m. UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Essex County Council is forecasting job cuts and a budget gap of £170m next year with its Reform UK leadership predicting "significant re-organisation and rationalisation will be necessary".
Powers to curb vape and mobile shops considered
Follow Powers to curb vape and mobile shops considered Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter Thu, October 8, 2026 at 10:14 AM EDT These vapes were seized from city centre shops in Southend in April 2025 [Southend Trading Standards] Southend-on-Sea City Council's cabinet will consider what powers it has to curb the "excessive" number of vape, mobile repair and barber shops it has on its High Street.
Handshakes, heckles and a row over security patrols near asylum base
In a town centre shopping street, two men wearing white shirts and bright red tabards are walking side by side. They are security guards introduced in Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford, three locations frequently visited by asylum seekers, bussed in each day from MDP Wethersfield, a former RAF airfield in the Essex countryside. The guards have been aimed at deterring anti-social behaviour (ASB) in response to what it says are residents' concerns.
Handshakes, heckles and a row over security patrols near asylum base
Patrols are taking place seven days a week in Chelmsford, Colchester and Braintree In a town centre shopping street, two men wearing white shirts and bright red tabards are walking side by side. They are security guards introduced in Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford, three locations frequently visited by asylum seekers, bussed in each day from MDP Wethersfield, a former RAF airfield in the Essex countryside.
Council backs legal action over homes plan
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Council backs legal action over homes plan
Follow Council backs legal action over homes plan Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter Mon, September 14, 2026 at 1:45 AM EDT Basildon Council leader Andy Barnes is seeking a judicial review against the government [BBC] Councillors have voted to consider taking High Court legal action against the government over the future of housebuilding in their borough.
Council pledges to come close to SEND target
A senior Essex county councillor has pledged to get as close as possible to the 20-week target for assessing children for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Sam Journet, the Reform UK education cabinet member at the local authority, said that by July 2027, he expected 80-90% of assessments to be completed within the time frame. Conservative opposition councillor Ross Playle described the commitments as "very lofty".
Tice defends 'Farage Fest' in licence consent row
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has defended a victory rally held by Nigel Farage which did not have an event licence. Tice said "it was a private party and it was a good party" when asked by the BBC about the so-called Farage Fest held in Great Oakley, Essex. Hundreds of people attended the event, featuring live music, alcohol and a Ferris wheel, to celebrate Farage's success in August's Clacton by-election.
Council investigates Reform's 'Farage Fest'
The organisers of "Farage Fest" - a victory party and rally for the Reform UK leader after the Clacton by-election - are being investigated for failing to get permission to hold it. Tendring District Council said it had "refused" to grant a Late Temporary Event Notice (LTEN) because the application had not been made in time. Hundreds went to the overnight party attended by Nigel Farage at Great Oakley airfield, which included live music, alcohol, and a Ferris wheel.
Council investigates Reform UK's 'Farage Fest'
Follow Council investigates Reform UK's 'Farage Fest' Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter Mon, August 24, 2026 at 7:14 AM EDT Nigel Farage attended a festival-style rally overnight as the Clacton by-election results came in [Reuters] The organisers of "Farage Fest" - a victory party and rally for the Reform UK leader after the Clacton by-election - are being investigated for failing to get permission to hold it.
Polls open in Clacton by-election
Follow Polls open in Clacton by-election Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter Thu, August 13, 2026 at 1:50 AM EDT Polls open in Clacton-on-Sea from 07:00 BST [Reuters] Voters will take to the ballot box to elect the next MP for Clacton when polls open from 07:00 BST on Thursday. An electorate of 79,785 registered voters have the chance to vote for one of 34 candidates standing in the Essex resort - the most ever to stand in a British election.
How the Clacton by-election count will take place
Follow How the Clacton by-election count will take place Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter Wed, August 12, 2026 at 10:43 AM EDT Clacton goes to the polls on Thursday to elect an MP [Reuters] The biggest British election campaign, in terms of the number of individuals standing for a single parliamentary seat, is nearly over. After polling booths close at 22:00 BST on Thursday, the counting of votes begins.
What do Clacton voters want from their next MP?
On Thursday, Clacton goes to the polls for a by-election triggered by the resignation of Nigel Farage. What do voters have on their minds and what do they want from their next MP? There is more to the Clacton constituency than the town it is named after. The Essex parliamentary seat includes rural villages, thousands of hectares of farmland and several seaside towns and villages with glistening golden beaches including Jaywick, Frinton and Walton-on-the-Naze.
What do Clacton by-election voters want from their next MP?
1 hour ago Three artworks by street artist Banksy have cost taxpayers almost £150,000 in cleaning operations and security so far, with the bill expected to rise. The largest single cost relates to a mural painted on the Royal Courts of Justice in September 2025, where removal efforts and security have so far …
The longest ballot in British electoral history
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The longest ballot in British electoral history
Follow The longest ballot in British electoral history Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter Sun, August 2, 2026 at 4:49 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The ballot paper for the parliamentary by-election in Clacton, as this replica shows, is nearly a metre long [SIMON DEDMAN/BBC] The longest ballot paper in British political history is costing four times as much to print than regular ballot papers, the local council has said.
Clacton by-election ballot list costing four times more
London festival 'stampede': Multiple people injured in 'crush' at music event in park Ghana Party in the Park in Barnet was forced into an ‘abrupt closure’ after people were injured and ‘carried out on stretchers’ Multiple people were …
Police target anti-social behaviour hotspots
Essex Police are targeting crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots this summer to "prevent offences" and "reduce crime". "We've identified hotspots based on violent crime, live crime, ASB, and we're doing patrols daily at targeted times to show visibility in the area," Ch Insp Aaron Homatopoulos, who covers Chelmsford city centre, told the BBC. The police said this approach has led to a 15% reduction in serious knife crime over the past year.
Labour win council seats after Reform resignations
Labour win council seats after Reform resignations Simon Dedman - Essex political reporter; Helen Burchell Fri 24 July 2026 at 11:58 am UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The resignation of two Reform UK councillors triggered by-elections [PA Media] Labour has won two seats in council by-elections triggered by the resignation of two Reform UK members.
Council joins legal action against the government
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Council joins legal action against the government
The Conservative leader of Harlow Council has announced it will be taking legal action against the government over radical reforms to local authorities in Essex. Essex County Council is seeking a judicial review in the High Court over the decision to replace the 15 authorities in Essex with five all-purpose unitary councils.
School summer holidays could start one week earlier
Reform UK-run Essex County Council is looking into bringing forward school summer holidays by one week in July. Sam Journet, education cabinet member, told a council meeting: "We are looking at taking the school holiday time out of sync with the current educational system". Journet argued it would allow families to book cheaper holidays.
Library bosses will need to approve Pride displays
Promotional book displays in libraries will need to be approved by senior managers, the leader of Essex County Council has said. Peter Harris, of Reform UK, had said he was concerned about "the age appropriateness" and trans ideology featuring in displays promoting Pride Month in libraries. At a full council meeting on Tuesday, the council also said a review on the decision not to promote Pride on library social media channels would take place.
Pride displays may have upset parents, says leader
Peter Harris said concerns had been raised about "certain elements" of Pride displays in libraries The leader of Essex County Council said some library displays that celebrated Pride month contained "inappropriate" books and may have been upsetting to parents. Peter Harris said "there are concerns about certain elements" of these displays, but when questioned by the BBC, did not specify what they were.
Climate group saddened as council stops support
The chairman of the Essex Climate Action Commission said the group was "saddened" its work would probably pause after Essex County Council severed its support. Prof Jules Pretty said the staff and administrative support from Essex County Council, to deliver projects, was going to be removed. He said while the commission would not close, the activities undertaken would have to be cut back substantially.
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