A UKIP councillor has defected to the Conservatives.

The Conservative majority at Castle Point Council has increased after Hadleigh councillor Paul Varker resigned from Ukip and joined the Conservatives.

Councillor Varker said: “I am grateful to my former Ukip colleagues for their past support but after the successful Brexit vote but I feel that their party has served its purpose.”

Council leader Colin Riley added: “We have been impressed by the professional manner in which Paul has conducted himself both within the council chamber and while supporting his residents and feel that his decision to join the lead Conservative group at Castle Point Council is a real benefit.”