BASILDON Labour retained its seat in Vange at yesterday's by-election, winning by just two per cent. 

Aidan McGurran emerged victorious securing 504 votes, equalling 51 per cent. 

He beat Yetunde Juliet Oyebola Adeshile representing the Conservatives, who won 478 votes. 

The seat was previously held by Labour Councillor Kayte Block, a lawyer by trade who announced her resignation in February after starting a new job as a prosecutor.

Following her resignation, Labour Group leader Gavin Callaghan said he was “deeply disappointed” she was leaving.