A MAJOR rift has opened up within Ukip’s ranks in Southend, with its prospective MP at loggerheads with the local party leader.

James Moyies, Ukip leader on Southend Council, has refused to support Floyd Waterworth as the party’s candidate for Rochford and Southend East in next year’s general election and appealed against his selection.

In response Mr Waterworth, who beat Mr Moyies to the candidacy, has told him to stop his “weasel words” or resign.

Mr Waterworth, who serves under Mr Moyies as Ukip councillor for Blenheim Park, said: “I understand he may not want to canvass for me because he is obviously very disappointed not to get the nomination, but he should put nothing in the way of my candidacy.

“I have asked him to confirm or deny the weasel words attributed to him. As the leader of Ukip on Southend Council he has a duty to do that.

“If he doesn’t, he needs to answer to the party.

“There has been a challenge by James to Ukip’s national executive committee, but they have confirmed my candidacy.

“It’s up to James Moyies to back me or step down.”

Mr Moyies, Ukip councillor for Shoebury West, was widely tipped to become the party’s parliamentary candidate after founding its local branch six years ago and rising to be regional chairman for the east of England and chairman of the national meeting of regional chairman and organisers.

The Echo understands Mr Moyies has accused Mr Waterworth of using a confidential database of party members to canvass for selection and even ferrying less mobile members to the vote.

Mr Waterworth has refused to comment on the allegations, but claims the party has rejected Mr Moyies’s complaint.

Mr Moyies resigned as chairman of Ukip’s south Essex branch, along with the secretary and treasurer, after Mr Waterworth’s appointment last month. Mr Waterworth is now acting chairman.

Mr Moyies said: “The candidates have been announced, but sometimes internal processes have to be completed.

"Sometimes there is a process that can be challenged. There is a good chance of that.

“I hope to vote Ukip, but it depends on who the candidate is. I will makemy decision based on the individual, not on the party they represent.

“Just because someone represents a party doesn’t mean they should get your vote without thinking about it.

“The chairman of the local branch needs to be prepared to work really hard to get the selected candidate elected in May. I felt it was inappropriate for me to continue that role.

“At the moment we are going through growing pains and I hope the party makes the correct decisions to ensure we continue to grow as we have done through a strong committee over the past six years.”

Ukip’s head office declined to comment.