Thurrock Ukip have called for a by-election in the Stanford East and Corringham Town ward following a councillor’s shock decision to ‘rejoin’ the Tory party today.

Ukip leader Councillor Graham Snell said the Tories had ‘made a commitment’ at the last full council to holding a by-election in the event of a councillor changing parties.

Councillor Colin Churchman had previously been a Conservative candidate from 2004 to 2014, then joined UKIP for a year, after which he left to become independent.

Mr Snell added without a by-election, the Tories were doing ‘another u-turn’ on promises made.

Mr Snell said: "Councillor Churchman was elected as a UKIP councillor but we quickly found out he was incompatible with our group whereupon he left and became an Independent.”

“We are surprised they have let him join considering some of the Tory councillors have said previously they would rather lose an election than work with him.

“All this just shows how desperate their leadership situation has become since May.”

“Recently at the July 27 Full Council 'Real Recall' was discussed whereby councillors failing to represent their constituents would be forced to resign.

“The Tories blocked this and made sure it was only voluntary but made a commitment that they would abide by the spirit of the motion nonetheless.

“Part of the agreement was councillors changing party would stand down and fight a by-election.

"Bearing all this in mind, we look forward to Councillor Gledhill announcing the date of the upcoming by-election.

“Or will we get yet another u-turn from a Tory group now regularly telling residents one thing in the chamber and doing something else entirely?"