A FORMER Tory stalwart and ex-Southend mayor has defected to Ukip saying the party is the “future” of politics.

Roger Weaver, who is also an ex-Conservative cabinet member on Southend Council, has been chosen by Ukip to stand in St Luke’s ward.

He served 19 years on the council, from 1988 to 2007, although his last two years were as an independent, after he quit the party having being defeated by Anna Waiite in a Conservative leadership battle.

He tried to return to the Tory fold in 2011, but failed to win a seat at the local elections that year.

On joining Ukip, Mr Weaver said: “Ukip are the future and I am very proud to be standing for them.

“I have already started work in St Luke’s ward and I know we can go from strength to strength.”

Floyd Waterworth, Ukip’s parliamentary candidate for Rochford and Southend East, added: “It will send shivers through the Conservative party because so many people are members of the Tories, but have seen the party grow away from them.”

Mr Waterworth also claimed his party are set to announce another high-profile defector next week.

Mr Weaver also stood as mayor in 2005.

He held a high-profile cabinet post of planning and transport boss when the Tories took Southend Council in 2000, in what was his political highpoint.

The announcement comes as Ukip battles a civil war locally, with Mr Waterworth and James Moyies, leader of the Ukip council group, at loggerheads after the former was selected to fight in the General Election.

Mr Moyies hit back appealing the decision and claiming he would not vote for Mr Waterworth in 2015.

But MrMoyies, who represents West Shoebury, said his party could win more than 10 seats in May, after netting their first five in 2014’s elections.

He added: “It’s great to have a councillor who is so experienced both as a cabinet member and mayor on my team.”

John Lamb, leader of the Tory party, brushed off the announcement.

He said: “I know he has been trying to find a place in the Conservatives for a while, but both east and west branches did not want to bring him back.

“By going with Ukip he has shown he is just trying to get in where he can.”