He worked closely with Gordon Brown, then the Chancellor of the Exchequer, until he lost his seat to the Conservative Douglas Carswell in the 2005 general election.
[2] Ivan Henderson continues to play an active role in local politics, acting as the Labour Party's spokesman for Harwich and Clacton.
Recent work includes the Kirby Cross Sports Pavilion,[3] where funding that was obtained by Tendring District Council came about through Henderson's discussions with the Football Association.
He also successfully campaigned for Trinity House HQ to remain in Harwich, he was later reelected to his former East Ward on the Town and District council.
[4] After this unsuccessful parliamentary comeback, Henderson was elected to Tendring District Council in 2011, winning Harwich East ward in his hometown.