A POLITICAL row has broken out over claims Southend’s two remaining Ukip councillors have defected to the Tories.

James Duddridge, the current Conservative MP for Rochford and Southend East, revealed on Friday that Floyd Waterworth and David McGlone have joined his party.

It came after James Moyies - a one-time Ukip councillor - left his independent colleagues to rejoin the Tories. He has gone full circle, having started out as chairman of the Thorpe Bay Conservatives.

Mr Waterworth admitted to the Echo that he and Mr McGlone have been in talks with the Tories - but refused to confirm that they have formally defected.

He said: “ James Duddridge overstepped the mark for speaking on our behalf.

“No decision has been made and we are listening to what other groups and experienced councillors have to say.

“A lot of Tories have been supportive towards the Ukip cause, sharing our message.

“If an announcement is made, we will discuss it with our party first and would have to give notice in writing.”

Mr Duddridge is standing by his claims.

He said: “It is my understanding that they have joined the Conservative party – be it centrally or having filled in a form and handed it over.

“I am pleased to see all three join the Tory Party and I look forward to seeing them and welcoming them to the Tories.”

Neil Hookway, Ukip Essex chairman, has accused the Tories of spreading a “false story.”

He said: “I hope that voters will not be taken in by their dishonesty and deceit. If they can be caught out about this, what other false statements are they putting before the public, particularly about Brexit. UKIP are here to stay and will be fighting the Shoebury by-election .”

In response, John Lamb, leader of Southend Council, added: “We have not been deceitful, we have been in talks with David and Floyd and we are hopeful it will happen. We are waiting to see the applications.”

If Mr Waterworth and Mr GcGlone do officially defect, the Tory party will have a majority on Southend Council.