THE former Labour group leader in Colchester issued a rallying cry as the party announced its candidates for next month’s local elections.

Adam Fox said he is feeling confident ahead of judgement day on May 4 where Labour will battle to seize control of Colchester Council for the first time in 55 years.

All parties and independents will be fighting it out for all 17 seats up for grabs on the night.

The political makeup of the council as it stands consists of 19 Conservative councillors, 15 Liberal Democrats, 15 Labour councillors and two Greens.

Gazette: Battle for power - Colchester Town HallBattle for power - Colchester Town Hall (Image: Newsquest)

Labour last controlled the town hall alone in 1967 but has not regained power since.

Now it has revealed its runners and riders ready to battle for the top spot once again.

Chris Pearson will be looking to make a statement as he begins his reign as leader of the Labour group.

He is vying to kick on and retain his seat in Berechurch.

Colchester mayor Tim Young is also defending his seat in Greenstead.

Gazette: Flown by - Tim Young has had an eventful year as mayorFlown by - Tim Young has had an eventful year as mayor (Image: Newsquest)

It is set to be the final dramatic episode in Mr Young’s mayoral year after already seeing Colchester conferred city status and the death of the Queen.

Fay Smalls has big shoes to fill after being selected to replace Mr Fox in Old Heath and the Hythe ward.

Mr Fox has had to stand down ahead of moving away from Colchester but said he is confident in Ms Smalls’ abilities.

He said: “She is a local postie who knows Colchester really well because she has delivered letters and parcels to most of it”.

Gazette: New leader - Chris Pearson is defending his seat in BerechurchNew leader - Chris Pearson is defending his seat in Berechurch (Image: Newsquest)

Labour faces stiff competition in the Conservative strongholds of Rural North, Tiptree and Lexden and Braiswick.

The wards will be fought by Labour stalwart Barbara Nichols, Elizabeth Holford and Sarah Bruce respectively.

Ms Holford in particular will face tough opposition in the form of former Tory leader Paul Dundas after his surprise return to local politics one year after being ousted from his Stanway seat.

Other first time candidates include teacher Charlie Jasper in Castle and William Hayton in Mersea and Pyefleet.

Gazette: Back at it - Sam McLean is defending his seat in New Town and Christ ChurchBack at it - Sam McLean is defending his seat in New Town and Christ Church (Image: Newsquest)

Sam McLean is already having to defend his spot in New Town and Christ Church just one year after scooping an additional seat made available last year.

And Heather Lowe is looking to claim a big scalp in the form of former Lib Dem council leader Mark Cory in Wivenhoe.

Highwoods will be contested by Pauline Bacon, Marks Tey and Layer by veteran John Spademan and Mile End by James Pey.

Richard Bourne, husband of Labour evergreen Tina, is taking on Prettygate and Luke Hayes has his eyes on Shrub End.

In Stanway, Ian Yates is hoping to snatch Lib Dem Lesley Scott-Boutell’s seat and Abigail Chambers is contesting the St Anne’s and St John’s ward.