Former Labour councillor Srikanth Panjala has reportedly joined the Conservative Party following his defeat in the 2026 Thurrock local elections.
Mr Panjala, who previously represented Aveley and Uplands as a Labour councillor, is no longer an elected member of Thurrock Council after losing his seat earlier this month during the borough’s elections.
Local reports state that he has now formally switched political allegiance and joined the Conservatives. In comments reported by local media, Mr Panjala said he wanted to focus on “positive change” and thanked Conservative members for their support.
The move comes after significant political change across Thurrock, where Reform UK made major gains during the recent elections, reshaping the balance of power on the council.
The defection is likely to prompt discussion locally, particularly given the political turbulence seen across Thurrock in recent months following the local election results.