SOUTHEND’S two remaining Ukip councillors have defected to join the Tories because they “have done what the set out to do.”

Floyd Waterworth and David McGlone has formally left Ukip to pledge their support to the Tories - leaving Southend with no Ukip councillors. It also means the ruling Conservative group now has majority control.

It comes just a day after the Echo revealed one time Ukip councillor James Moyies has left his independent colleagues o give his support to the Tories.

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, who confirmed the defections, said it was great news for the party.

He said: “Floyd and David have joined us. They have supported us and are happy to join us as work on Brexit has been done.

“It is fantastic news – the 2010 candidate for Ukip has joined us and the 2015 candidate is also joining us. Ukip are closing down and people are rallying behind Theresa May.

“The Tories are a broad-church party, it is not just about Ukip defecting. We would welcome so-called Independents and the Lib Dems.”

John Lamb, leader of Southend Council, believes the moves will help his party push through ideas. He said: “They believe they have done what they set out to do, which was Brexit.

“Ukip have been working with us for the last year on the memorandum of understanding which has been helpful.

“It is good news - we are no longer the minority now and this will help us move forward with support and make Southend a better place.”