Allan Edwards PIP candidate for Hadleigh
Hear from Allan Edwards on what he’s delivered for Castle Point — and what he’ll fight for at Essex County Council.
Read Allan's election statement
My name is Allan Edwards and I am PIP Hadleigh Castle Point is home, my whole family lives in the area. Being a local councillor for the past four years has been a privilege. Working on the environment, scrutiny and audit committees has given me an active role in making our Council more accountable and transparent. I have championed empowering the Council to bring some of the 1,000+ unused properties in Castle Point back into use, this will cut pressure to build on our cherished green spaces and give families that are waiting for homes more choice. Our Party has made great progress in Castle Point Borough Council but there is much that needs to be done at County level. Please vote for your PIP candidates to continue to change our area for the better.
Local Government Reorganisation explained
ESSEX LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION (LGR) What’s changing — and why it matters to you WHAT IS LGR? Fewer councils. More power. Essex is moving from a two-tier system (County + Borough Councils) to a smaller number of large unitary councils that will run all local services. These will control: Roads & potholes Social care Planning Waste & environment WHY THIS MATTERS These changes will affect your: Local services Council tax Roads & infrastructure Local representation These decisions will shape Castle Point for years to come. YOUR VOTE WAS CANCELLED In 2025, the Essex County Council elections were cancelled, in agreement with the Conservative administration and the Labour Government. This meant: No public vote No fresh mandate During this time, major long-term decisions about Essex were pushed forward. TWO VERY DIFFERENT OPTIONS OPTION 1: 3 LARGE COUNCILS (Conservative-backed) Castle Point would have been merged with: Basildon Thurrock Rochford Southend RISKS: Decisions made further away Loss of Castle Point identity Greater financial risk from other areas Less accountability to residents OPTION 2: 5 LOCAL COUNCILS (PIP-backed) Castle Point would join: Rochford Southend BENEFITS: Decisions closer to local people Protects Castle Point’s identity Lower financial risk More manageable, local governance Better reflects our communities WHERE WE ARE NOW The Government has confirmed it will move forward with the 5-unitary model. This is the approach supported by PIP. ONGOING CONCERNS The Conservative leadership at Essex County Council has indicated it may take legal action to try to force the 3-unitary model. WHAT THIS MEANS These decisions are not fully settled. Castle Point still needs strong local representation to ensure our voice is heard. PIP POSITION Keep decisions local Protect Castle Point’s identity Avoid unnecessary financial risk Put residents before party politics IN SIMPLE TERMS 3-unitary model: Bigger councils Decisions further away Higher risk 5-unitary model: More local councils Decisions closer to you Better accountability The future of Castle Point should be decided by the people who live here — not imposed from above.