MP John Baron has told the Echo exclusively he will stand for the Conservatives in the general election, despite repeated speculation he is about to join Ukip.

The outspoken Tory, who has been an MP for Basildon and Billericay since 2001, says he has no plans to move.

He said: “Rest assured I’m happy where I am.

“That is standing for the Conservatives in Basildon and Billericay – as long as they still want me too!”

Speculation has been rife that Mr Baron was ready to jump ship in the wake of Ukip deselecting their Basildon and Thurrock candidate, Kerry Smith, last month.

Mr Baron also clarified with the Echo the “never say never” comment which he delivered in the aftermath when questioned over a Ukip defection.

He said: “I think this speculation comes from a comment I made on Newsnight.

But I said it with a smile on my face. If the papers, or Ed Miliband, want to score points then they will pick up on a comment like that.

“As I made clear on Newsnight, I am staying where I am and not moving to any other party.”

The statement comes as Conservative defector Mark Reckless today stands for Ukip in the Rochester byelection.

Ukip members will decide their parliamentary candidates for two South Essex seats next month.

Hustings for the Basildon and Billericay seat and South Basildon and East Thurrock seat will take place on December 9 and 10.

Both seats are presently held by the Conservatives.

Jamie Huntman, Ukip’s parliamentary candidate for Castle Point, said: “I think a lot of people are waiting until Thursday to see if we win and if so, by what margin.

“For the hustings, there will be a shortlist drawn up.

“At the moment I don’t know how many people have applied, but I would think a lot of people will apply as they are both south Essex seats.”

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for south Basildon and east Thurrock, echoed his colleague Mr Baron, saying he would definitely be standing for the Conservatives too.

He said: “I will stand in May next year and will fight whoever my opponents are.”