BASILDON’S first mayor is stepping down, after claiming the strains of the job have taken a toll on her health.

Mo Larkin, who has held the role since it was created in 2010, has confirmed she will not be seeking re-election to Basildon Council next month.

During her five-year tenure she has raised about £200,000 for local charities, but she says she feels she is now unable to continue.

Last year, Mrs Larkin claimed she was the victim of a “harassment campaign” after a council investigation was launched into her conduct amid disputes with rival councillors.

She said: “It has taken a toll on my health.

“I’m not running away from everything, but I am feeling exhausted.

“I have had a breakdown, my life has been murder and I have done nothing wrong.

“I would have liked to have gone on for a long time because I have got a lot to offer.

“I work seven days a week and I love representing the people of Basildon.”

Conservative councillor Mrs Larkin was first elected in 2002 and represents the Pitsea South East ward.

As mayor, she has raised money for charities including Age Matters, Basildon Women’s Aid and St Luke’s Hospice.

She has also been chairman of governors at Laindon Park Primary School for more than 25 years.

Basildon Council leader Phil Turner said: “Her contribution has been massive in terms of what she has done with charity work and representing the council.

“She has been the first lady of Basildon borough and she has been outstanding.

“Politics aside, she has been remarkable in putting Basildon residents and their causes first.

“It is going to be hard to fill her boots and I am really going to miss her because she has been a fantastic part of the council.”

The process of selecting a new mayor to replace Mrs Larkin will begin after the borough council elections on May 7.

RESELECTED EVERY YEAR

THE position of mayor was created for the first time when Basildon Council changed from district to a borough status in 2010.

Mrs Larkin, who had previously been chairman of the council, was chosen as the first mayor by her fellow councillors.

She has been reselected every year since, with no other nominations being put forward.

The grandmother-of-four, who is also a great-grandmother, has lived in Basildon for nearly 50 years.

She is chairman of Age Matters Basildon, which oversees care of elderly people in need of help in the community.

Mrs Larkin is also a trustee for Crossroads, providing respite care for carers, and Lord Petre’s Puckle Trust, providing homes for the poor and infirm.

In 2011, the mayor spearheaded a campaign to rescue three Basildon day centres for the elderly from closure