A TORY election candidate has hit out at his own party for using an election blunder to try and oust Southend Council's leader.

Del Thomas, who is standing in St Luke's ward, made the comments during a hustings event at Ferndale Baptist Church, in North Avenue, Southend.

Last week Ron Woodley narrowly avoided losing a vote of no confidence after a motion was introduced by Shoebury councillor Tony Cox.

It came after 57,000 letters advertising the council’s money-saving Southend Energy scheme, which were signed by Mr Woodley, were sent out to households during the pre-election purdah period.

Councillors voted 23 for, and 23 against, with Mr Woodley only being saved by the casting vote of Mayor and Tory councillor Andrew Moring- who was duty bound to vote with the administration.

Mr Thomas said: “I was in the public gallery, and even as a Conservative, I was disgusted. I thought it was completely out of order and completely unnecessary, and I completely condemn what went on.”

Street pastor Mr Thomas added that he was, however, disappointed Mr Woodley had allowed council chief executive Rob Tinlin to take all the blame for the bungle.

He said: “I don’t think it was Ron Woodley’s fault for those letters going out, but I was very angry with him last night because I think it was very wrong that he didn’t apologise for the letter being sent out and election law being broken.

“It’s not his fault that it happened but it wasn’t Rob Tinlin's fault either. As someone who is leader of the council, he should have said ‘it wasn’t my fault but I should take responsibility and I’m sorry’."

Incumbent St Luke's independent councillor Brian Aylen was also at the meeting and said, while he has “problems with the leader of the council”, he voted against the motion to remove him.

He said: “When it came to the vote, if I had voted against, he would have lost. I wouldn’t have wanted to be in the position to do that.

“The whole thing was a nonsense because, had he lost it, it wouldn’t have made one iota of difference because there will be a new council on May 6.”

St Luke's Green party candidate Jason Pilley, who was also at the meeting, said: “A mistake was made but it wasn’t a big deal and the Conservatives were trying to make a big deal out of it.”

Labour candidate Donna Richardson called the situation “absolutely bonkers” and said she would not have chosen to oust Mr Woodley, while Ukip candidate David Stansfield said the vote seemed to be a “waste of time.”