THE Conservative candidate for Halstead has been selected ahead of Essex County Council elections.

Former Sible Hedingham Parish Councillor, Joanne Beavis will stand in her bid to replace the late Joe Pike.

Cllr Pike dedicated 39 years to Essex County Council before he passed away in December.

The highly regarded Councillor served Halstead from 1989 until his death, and Cllr Beavis knows she has a large task ahead of her if elected.

She said: “I was delighted to be selected to stand at Friday’s Branch meeting.

“Joe was respected by everyone and held in such high regard. I was fortunate enough to attend his funeral, and everyone had an amazing story to tell and it is clear I have some big boots to fill if elected.”

Cllr Beavis currently stands on Braintree District Council, is a member of the Braintree District Community Foundation Community Interest Company and a part of the Local Government Association.

In the past, she has been heavily involved in the Braintree District Museum Trust and The Local Government Information Unit.

Chairman of Halstead’s Conservative Branch, Jennie Sutton, said: “I think she will be an excellent candidate for Essex County Councillor officer.

“She is very concerned with the welfare of residents and small businesses, and is always very quick to get involved with projects that come here way. The vote was extremely tight, in the end Jo beat Chris Siddle by just two votes.

“Joe was a fantastic representative and I am confident Jo will be able to follow in his footsteps if she is elected.”

The elections will take place on May 4.