Before (end of 1996) (60 seats, Elections Centre)
Labour 37 · Conservative 8 · Other 8 · Liberal Democrats 7
After (end of 1997) (60 seats, Elections Centre)
Labour 37 · Other 8 · Conservative 8 · Liberal Democrats 7
Ward results
Clacton West1 seat · turnout 64.2%
| R. Smith | Labour | 5,008 ✓ |
| M. Hughes | Conservative | 2,756 |
| P. Miller | Liberal Democrats | 1,375 |
Tendring Rural West1 seat · turnout 74.8%
| K Hawkins | Liberal Democrats | 2,872 ✓ |
| G Morgan | Labour | 2,602 |
| R. Tovell | Conservative | 1,846 |
| D Pallett | Independent | 1,598 |