Essex Conservative resigns from cabinet over conflict of interests

An Essex Conservative councillor has resigned from his cabinet position after failing to register his interest in a company being awarded a contract by his council.

Cllr Derrick Louis was cabinet member for corporate services at Essex County Council which includes responsibility for procurement. He failed to update his register of interests to include his Chairmanship of Provide CIC which the council has awarded contracts to provide health and social care services.

Cllr Louis says that he has done "nothing dishonest" and is resigning to save embarrassment for the Conservatives Party.