Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council, was elected to the role yesterday to lead the partnership of Basildon, Southend, Castle Point, Rochford, Brentwood and Thurrock.

Previously the “Association of South Essex Local Authorities”, the partnership sees councillors across the region work together on economic growth, housing development and infrastructure investment, as well as government reorganisation.

Mr Callaghan’s appointment comes amid growing calls for Essex County Council to be abolished and replaced with a number of smaller unitary authorities in south and north Essex.

Speaking about his new role, he said: “This region is uniquely positioned to be the jobs, growth and productivity capital of the UK but for too long we’ve punched below our collective weight.

“The economic and housing potential in South Essex is immense, with opportunities to create life-long jobs, build communities, and attract investment. What must and will come with that is the transformative investment in transport, digital connectivity, and public services to fully unlock the region’s potential and ensure it delivers for all who live or want to start or grow a business here.”

Rumours suggest that all of the current councils in Essex could be abolished and replaced with new unitary councils which will deliver additional services including social care, waste and recycling, and infrastructure improvements.

Basildon Council is in favour of a new five authority model for the whole of Essex which would see Basildon and Thurrock councils join, while Southend, Castle Point and Rochford would all form one council.

Mr Callaghan added: “This is an exciting time for South Essex. For the first time in a generation, we have alignment between the ambitions of local councils and the priorities of central government to invest in our region. Moments like this are rare and we must seize the opportunity to deliver real change for our residents and businesses.

“My priority in this role is to work with government on getting the money invested into South Essex that we need and I look forward to working with the north of Essex on creating a combined authority that can deliver this transformative change.”