Simon Dedman
@bbcsimon.bsky.social
BBC Political Reporter based in Essex.
NEW: the government is going to consult on all 4 proposals for new councils for Essex.
The current 15 could be replaced with between 3-5 all purpose unitary councils.
Here are the proposals - www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The current 15 could be replaced with between 3-5 all purpose unitary councils.
Here are the proposals - www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex council reorganisation could be decided by these maps
We explain the competing plans to reform councils in Essex following their publication.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 10:59 AM
NEW: the government is going to consult on all 4 proposals for new councils for Essex.
The current 15 could be replaced with between 3-5 all purpose unitary councils.
Here are the proposals - www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The current 15 could be replaced with between 3-5 all purpose unitary councils.
Here are the proposals - www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Home Office is expected to increase the number of asylum seekers from today from 800 to 1245 at Wethersfield.
The increase of 50% is temporary at the former airbase.
Braintree Council says up to an additional 60 migrants a week will move on to the site.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The increase of 50% is temporary at the former airbase.
Braintree Council says up to an additional 60 migrants a week will move on to the site.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
More migrant arrivals expected at Wethersfield RAF station
Migrant numbers are expected to increase to 1,245 at MDP Wethersfield over several weeks.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 31, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Home Office is expected to increase the number of asylum seekers from today from 800 to 1245 at Wethersfield.
The increase of 50% is temporary at the former airbase.
Braintree Council says up to an additional 60 migrants a week will move on to the site.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The increase of 50% is temporary at the former airbase.
Braintree Council says up to an additional 60 migrants a week will move on to the site.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Hauliers fear and regret the prices rises for the Dartford Crossing planned for September
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex hauliers raise concerns over Dartford Crossing price rise
Charges to cross the River Thames between Essex and Kent are set to increase in September.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 19, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Hauliers fear and regret the prices rises for the Dartford Crossing planned for September
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
NEW: Thurrock Council debt expected to increase to £1.1bn over the next year.
The government says it is "not satisfied that the pace or scale of the council's response".
It plans to extend intervention until April 2028.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The government says it is "not satisfied that the pace or scale of the council's response".
It plans to extend intervention until April 2028.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Thurrock Council debt expected to rise to £1.1bn
The government is set to extend its intervention at the Essex authority until April 2028.
www.bbc.co.uk
June 19, 2025 at 3:33 PM
NEW: Thurrock Council debt expected to increase to £1.1bn over the next year.
The government says it is "not satisfied that the pace or scale of the council's response".
It plans to extend intervention until April 2028.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The government says it is "not satisfied that the pace or scale of the council's response".
It plans to extend intervention until April 2028.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
NEW: Kemi Badenoch tells the BBC calls for her to resign as Conservative leader after losing power in 16 councils “are just not serious”.
She told me she has not thought of about quitting since last week’s local elections.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
She told me she has not thought of about quitting since last week’s local elections.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Kemi Badenoch insists calls for her resignation are 'not serious'
The Conservative leader insists she is not quitting at
www.bbc.co.uk
May 10, 2025 at 10:52 AM
NEW: Kemi Badenoch tells the BBC calls for her to resign as Conservative leader after losing power in 16 councils “are just not serious”.
She told me she has not thought of about quitting since last week’s local elections.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
She told me she has not thought of about quitting since last week’s local elections.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
PM gives no closure date for the asylum centre at the Wethersfield military base in Essex
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
PM does not give date for closure of Wethersfield asylum centre
The prime minister says the way to deal with asylum seekers was
www.bbc.co.uk
April 11, 2025 at 7:18 AM
PM gives no closure date for the asylum centre at the Wethersfield military base in Essex
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex County Council has told the government it "cannot support the proposal for devolution in Greater Essex in its current form".
The authority is opposed to the number of voting members on the combined authority.
ECC would have 3, Southend 2 Thurrock 2
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The authority is opposed to the number of voting members on the combined authority.
ECC would have 3, Southend 2 Thurrock 2
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex County Council opposes combined authority model
Essex County Council wants a larger share of the vote on a planned combined authority.
www.bbc.co.uk
April 10, 2025 at 6:10 AM
Essex County Council has told the government it "cannot support the proposal for devolution in Greater Essex in its current form".
The authority is opposed to the number of voting members on the combined authority.
ECC would have 3, Southend 2 Thurrock 2
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The authority is opposed to the number of voting members on the combined authority.
ECC would have 3, Southend 2 Thurrock 2
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What impact has an asylum centre on an old air base had in rural North Essex...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What changed after a village air base was used as an asylum centre?
Two years ago the then-Conservative government decided to house male asylum seekers at MDP Wethersfield.
www.bbc.co.uk
March 28, 2025 at 7:29 AM
What impact has an asylum centre on an old air base had in rural North Essex...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
LATEST: Majority of Council Leaders support 5 councils for Essex radical reorganisation of local democracy.
Plans are being worked on to abolish 15 existing councils in the county with a handful of all-purpose unitary authorities.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Plans are being worked on to abolish 15 existing councils in the county with a handful of all-purpose unitary authorities.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex devolution: Council leaders back five-authority model
The 15 councils in Essex could be trimmed down to five, with a mayor overseeing them all.
www.bbc.co.uk
March 7, 2025 at 4:54 PM
LATEST: Majority of Council Leaders support 5 councils for Essex radical reorganisation of local democracy.
Plans are being worked on to abolish 15 existing councils in the county with a handful of all-purpose unitary authorities.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Plans are being worked on to abolish 15 existing councils in the county with a handful of all-purpose unitary authorities.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex's 99 Police Community Support Officers set to be saved from being cut.
Commissioner Roger Hirst says £2.3m extra for Essex Police is enough to save their roles.
Hirst told the BBC: "I am very sorry that they have been through this".
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Commissioner Roger Hirst says £2.3m extra for Essex Police is enough to save their roles.
Hirst told the BBC: "I am very sorry that they have been through this".
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex Police U-turn on loss of community support officers
The force says it plans to keep its 99 PCSOs after receiving more than £2m from the government.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 4, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Essex's 99 Police Community Support Officers set to be saved from being cut.
Commissioner Roger Hirst says £2.3m extra for Essex Police is enough to save their roles.
Hirst told the BBC: "I am very sorry that they have been through this".
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Commissioner Roger Hirst says £2.3m extra for Essex Police is enough to save their roles.
Hirst told the BBC: "I am very sorry that they have been through this".
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Farage says the new Norwich to Tilbury pylons are “an absolute disaster”.
The leader of Reform UK told the BBC he backs a new lower Thames Crossing.
He is not keen on local government reorganisation in Essex. 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The leader of Reform UK told the BBC he backs a new lower Thames Crossing.
He is not keen on local government reorganisation in Essex. 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
East Anglia pylons 'an absolute disaster' - Nigel Farage
Nigel Farage tells the BBC new pylons between Norwich and Tilbury will affect the landscape.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 3, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Farage says the new Norwich to Tilbury pylons are “an absolute disaster”.
The leader of Reform UK told the BBC he backs a new lower Thames Crossing.
He is not keen on local government reorganisation in Essex. 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The leader of Reform UK told the BBC he backs a new lower Thames Crossing.
He is not keen on local government reorganisation in Essex. 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nigel Farage says "with the right candidate" Reform UK has "a chance" to take Kemi Badenoch's seat.
He held a rally in the area she represents in NW Essex and told supporters "people look at us and say: like Trump these people will get things done".
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
He held a rally in the area she represents in NW Essex and told supporters "people look at us and say: like Trump these people will get things done".
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nigel Farage hails Donald Trump 'inspiration' at Reform UK rally
Nigel Farage holds a rally in North West Essex as his party targets Kemi Badenoch's seat.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 1, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Nigel Farage says "with the right candidate" Reform UK has "a chance" to take Kemi Badenoch's seat.
He held a rally in the area she represents in NW Essex and told supporters "people look at us and say: like Trump these people will get things done".
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
He held a rally in the area she represents in NW Essex and told supporters "people look at us and say: like Trump these people will get things done".
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Simon Dedman
@SiDedman
Former PM David Cameron was among the first on the scene of a fatal Ferrari crash in Norfolk.
It's believed he was in the county for a shooting weekend.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@SiDedman
Former PM David Cameron was among the first on the scene of a fatal Ferrari crash in Norfolk.
It's believed he was in the county for a shooting weekend.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Lord Cameron first on scene of fatal Ferrari crash in Norfolk
Police say the former prime minister's close protection officers performed
www.bbc.co.uk
January 30, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Simon Dedman
@SiDedman
Former PM David Cameron was among the first on the scene of a fatal Ferrari crash in Norfolk.
It's believed he was in the county for a shooting weekend.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@SiDedman
Former PM David Cameron was among the first on the scene of a fatal Ferrari crash in Norfolk.
It's believed he was in the county for a shooting weekend.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
🔵 Ex-Home Secretary James Cleverly told the BBC Labour got its "maths badly wrong" on Essex Police funding.
🔴 Thurrock's Labour MP Jen Craft accused Cleverly of "political game playing" and says the gov ⬆️ police funding. More 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
🔴 Thurrock's Labour MP Jen Craft accused Cleverly of "political game playing" and says the gov ⬆️ police funding. More 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex Police PCSO cuts left staff in 'disbelief' - Federation
Essex Police is planning to make all 99 of its PCSOs redundant as it bids to save money.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 29, 2025 at 10:04 AM
🔵 Ex-Home Secretary James Cleverly told the BBC Labour got its "maths badly wrong" on Essex Police funding.
🔴 Thurrock's Labour MP Jen Craft accused Cleverly of "political game playing" and says the gov ⬆️ police funding. More 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
🔴 Thurrock's Labour MP Jen Craft accused Cleverly of "political game playing" and says the gov ⬆️ police funding. More 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex Police to scrap all 99 PCSOs + all officers will receive a pay cut.
It comes despite a rise in the police precept there will still be a £5m budget shortfall. 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It comes despite a rise in the police precept there will still be a £5m budget shortfall. 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex Police plans to make PCSOs redundant to save money
The force says it has no option but to propose the changes because of
www.bbc.co.uk
January 28, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Essex Police to scrap all 99 PCSOs + all officers will receive a pay cut.
It comes despite a rise in the police precept there will still be a £5m budget shortfall. 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It comes despite a rise in the police precept there will still be a £5m budget shortfall. 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex County Council plans to increase council tax by 3.75% in April but puts extra millions into road maintenance.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Essex County Council tax to rise with millions more for roads
The county council plans to increase tax by 3.75% in April and put millions into road maintenance.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 15, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Essex County Council plans to increase council tax by 3.75% in April but puts extra millions into road maintenance.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Labour v. Reform at Essex County Council descended into chaos.
Accusation made about the sharing of “private parts” photo 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
Accusation made about the sharing of “private parts” photo 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
'Private parts' photo accusation heard at Essex council meeting
A council meeting descends into disorder after accusations are made about a member's conduct.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 14, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Labour v. Reform at Essex County Council descended into chaos.
Accusation made about the sharing of “private parts” photo 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
Accusation made about the sharing of “private parts” photo 👇
www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
Reposted by Simon Dedman
Spa-Francorchamps axed from F1 Grand Prix schedule in 2028 and 2030
Spa-Francorchamps axed from F1 Grand Prix schedule in 2028 and 2030
* Belgian Grand Prix agrees rotational deal from next year
* Dutch GP at Zandvoort will exit the calendar
Formula One says the Belgian Grand Prix will be rotated from next year as the sport moves to introduce new races to the calendar. The deal means…
www.theguardian.com
January 8, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Spa-Francorchamps axed from F1 Grand Prix schedule in 2028 and 2030
Essex County Council meeting on Friday to discuss cancelling the local elections and writing to the government to be on the priority programme for devolution and local government reform.
Thurrock Council will ask the government to cancel May's local elections.
It's to allow the authority with the rest of Essex to focus on a radical reshape of local government.
15 councils could be replaced with 2-5 Essex unitary authorities + an elected Essex Mayor.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It's to allow the authority with the rest of Essex to focus on a radical reshape of local government.
15 councils could be replaced with 2-5 Essex unitary authorities + an elected Essex Mayor.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Thurrock Council asks Government to cancel local elections
Thurrock Council will ask Westminster to cancel local elections to reorganise local government in Essex.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 8, 2025 at 9:38 AM
Essex County Council meeting on Friday to discuss cancelling the local elections and writing to the government to be on the priority programme for devolution and local government reform.
Thurrock Council will ask the government to cancel May's local elections.
It's to allow the authority with the rest of Essex to focus on a radical reshape of local government.
15 councils could be replaced with 2-5 Essex unitary authorities + an elected Essex Mayor.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It's to allow the authority with the rest of Essex to focus on a radical reshape of local government.
15 councils could be replaced with 2-5 Essex unitary authorities + an elected Essex Mayor.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Thurrock Council asks Government to cancel local elections
Thurrock Council will ask Westminster to cancel local elections to reorganise local government in Essex.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 8, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Thurrock Council will ask the government to cancel May's local elections.
It's to allow the authority with the rest of Essex to focus on a radical reshape of local government.
15 councils could be replaced with 2-5 Essex unitary authorities + an elected Essex Mayor.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It's to allow the authority with the rest of Essex to focus on a radical reshape of local government.
15 councils could be replaced with 2-5 Essex unitary authorities + an elected Essex Mayor.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nigel Farage registered almost £250,000 worth of outside work in the most recent MPs financial interests register.
Income includes:
£189,300 was for 4 hrs work a month as a brand ambassador for Direct Bullion
£42,000 for 20 hours work as a GB News presenter.
Income includes:
£189,300 was for 4 hrs work a month as a brand ambassador for Direct Bullion
£42,000 for 20 hours work as a GB News presenter.
January 7, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Nigel Farage registered almost £250,000 worth of outside work in the most recent MPs financial interests register.
Income includes:
£189,300 was for 4 hrs work a month as a brand ambassador for Direct Bullion
£42,000 for 20 hours work as a GB News presenter.
Income includes:
£189,300 was for 4 hrs work a month as a brand ambassador for Direct Bullion
£42,000 for 20 hours work as a GB News presenter.
Southend City Council plans to increase council tax by 4.99% in April.
It's to help cover the cost of rising demand for services - particularly children's.
The budget for road and pavement resurfacing is set to double next year with an extra £4m.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It's to help cover the cost of rising demand for services - particularly children's.
The budget for road and pavement resurfacing is set to double next year with an extra £4m.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Southend council tax to increase 4.99% under budget plans
Southend-on-Sea City Council's leader says it needs to
www.bbc.co.uk
January 7, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Southend City Council plans to increase council tax by 4.99% in April.
It's to help cover the cost of rising demand for services - particularly children's.
The budget for road and pavement resurfacing is set to double next year with an extra £4m.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It's to help cover the cost of rising demand for services - particularly children's.
The budget for road and pavement resurfacing is set to double next year with an extra £4m.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Braintree Council considering collecting black bin landfill waste every three weeks.
It could be trialled in parts of the borough next year if Cabinet approves at Monday's meeting.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It could be trialled in parts of the borough next year if Cabinet approves at Monday's meeting.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Braintree shoppers react to reduced bin collection proposal
Braintree District Council will consider moving general waste collections to every three weeks.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 12, 2024 at 5:09 PM
Braintree Council considering collecting black bin landfill waste every three weeks.
It could be trialled in parts of the borough next year if Cabinet approves at Monday's meeting.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It could be trialled in parts of the borough next year if Cabinet approves at Monday's meeting.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The East of England will need to build an extra 10k homes a year under the government's new local housing need formula.
45,429 new homes are needed every year.
Between 2021/22-2023/24 the East built and average of 28,957 homes a year.
45,429 new homes are needed every year.
Between 2021/22-2023/24 the East built and average of 28,957 homes a year.
December 12, 2024 at 12:14 PM
The East of England will need to build an extra 10k homes a year under the government's new local housing need formula.
45,429 new homes are needed every year.
Between 2021/22-2023/24 the East built and average of 28,957 homes a year.
45,429 new homes are needed every year.
Between 2021/22-2023/24 the East built and average of 28,957 homes a year.
Labour-led Basildon Council to move back to weekly black bin collections in Spring 2025.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Basildon bringing back weekly bin collections after backlash
Labour-led Basildon Council votes to bring back weekly black bin collections in spring 2025.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 11, 2024 at 2:58 PM
Labour-led Basildon Council to move back to weekly black bin collections in Spring 2025.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...