What goes on in the leader of Essex County Council's office?

Behind the large wooden desk is a window, and next to the window is a portrait of the King with a St George’s Cross and Union Jack.

There’s a whiteboard with plans for official business and a map of the county. On another wall is a portrait of Winston Churchill, with a team photograph of the county council’s new cabinet.

A life-size cardboard cutout of Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, stands beside the door.  

Council leader Peter Harris said he likes to see “the boss” standing opposite him while he works.

Reportedly, Mr Harris is frequently the last to leave County Hall and has been locked into his office three times by security at the end of the day.

“I know the security guards by name, and if they can’t find me, they go and check if the car’s still here, and they come up and make sure that I’ve left – because I will be locked in,” he said.

Leader - Councillor Peter Harris is the leader of Essex County Council (Image: Essex County Council)

A thick gold ring with a deep purple stone encircles the smallest finger of his right hand, and he sports both the Union Jack and Essex’s crest on the lapels of his blazer.

Since Reform’s historic takeover of the previous Conservative administration of 25 years, Mr Harris said he has found himself inundated with requests from national media.

He’s appeared on the BBC’s Politics East programme to discuss his administration’s changes to Net Zero policy, and more recently, has written an article for the Daily Mail and the Sun – and since appeared on GB News and the official Reform UK platforms – to raise his concerns over Wethersfield Asylum Centre following a visit to the site.

It has gained a high level of attention up and down the country.

“I was elected in May and I said to residents I wanted to be the voice of the people,” Mr Harris said.

“I said that I would stand up for people and indeed, in our 100-day plan, we put in there about challenging the Home Office.  

“I think for politicians, it is our responsibility when we have a platform. I get privileges like being able to go into places like Wethersfield and media will listen and they will put me on to radio and TV, etcetera.

“I represent 1.6million people, and it is my responsibility to do the best for the people of Essex. That’s something I will always do.

“I feel quite privileged and humbled that I’m able to represent people, but there’s still so much more to do.”

In an update on the 100-day plan – which includes commitments on roads, special educational needs (SEND), and jobs – Mr Harris said his administration is “committed to doing all of that”.

“We’re going to keep doing some great things,” he said.

“It’s the best job I’ve ever had in my life, and it’s a privilege to do it.”