UKIP councillors in Basildon have split into two separate groups, but they both deny falling out with each other.

A new Wickford Ukip group, made up of the town’s three councillors, has split off, while the existing Basildon Ukip group will retain the party’s other eight councillors.

Group leaders believe the split will allow councillors to focus on issues specific to their towns.

Peter Holliman, councillor for Wickford North, will become the leader of the new Wickford group.

He said: “Essentially we have got a dividing line between the two at the moment, which is the A127.

“We have group meetings and it has been pretty clear Basildon and Wickford have got their own challenges, but they are slightly different.”

In May, all Ukip members, with the exception of Wickford Park councillor David Harrison, stormed out in protest against Tory proposals for committee membership.

Ukip leader Linda AllportHodge accused the ruling Tories of acting illegally when compiling their order paper, which was passed despite the walkout.

Forming the new Wickford Ukip group will trigger a recalculation of how parties are represented on each committee.

Mr Harrison also publicly distanced himself from Mrs AllportHodge when she insulted Tory councillor Andrew Schrader at a meeting in April.

But Mrs Allport-Hodge insisted there is no rift between members.

She said: “The thinking behind it is nothing sinister, but it will give us greater emphasis at full council.

“Ukip councillors are made up from people from all walks of life and we are not whipped like the Tories.

“David Harrison is a valuable member and Peter Holliman a very able councillor and this can only beapositive thing.”

Mr Holliman added: “We have had lots of people saying they have voted Ukip, but thinking we are part of Basildon.

“We focus on Wickford, but people weren’t getting that feeling, so this is a bit of a marketing thing and we hope it will make an impact at next May’s election.”

Tory leader Phil Turner added: “This is Ukip in meltdown and an outward demonstration they are not cohesive.

“There is infighting, squabbling and disagreements and every aspect of bad politics you can think of.”