UKIP members on Rochford District Council have hit back at claims their party is nothing more than “a bunch of cheap soundbites”.

The accusation came from Rochford District Council chairman, June Lumley, as she sensationally decided to quit the Liberal Democrats and join the Conservatives and help in the battle against Ukip’s rise in the area.

Ukip won their first three seats on the district council last May and hope to gain even more as their profile raises during the forthcoming general election campaign.

Mark Francois, Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, has welcomed Mrs Lumley to the Conservatives and compared the current in-fighting at Ukip as being like “ferrets in a sack”.

Hitting back, John Hayter, Ukip group leader on the district council, said: “This just goes to show how terrified the establishment now are of Ukip and how little difference there is between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

“Ukip signifies a real change in politics.”

Mrs Lumley has been the Lib Dem ward councillor for Grange since 2002 and is up for re-election in May.

While she has been welcomed into the Conservative Party fold by Mr Francois, Lib Dem group leader Chris Black questioned the move.

He said: “I think it is an absolutely huge mistake for her to join the Conservatives.

“They are extremely unpopular party in this district at the moment.

“It is the Conservative group that has been pushing through the Core Strategy.

“It is that strategy which will lead to the over-development of Rayleigh.

“It is a disappointing decision, but not unexpected.

“However, it nowmeans myself and Ron Oatham, the remaining Lib Dems, can act more freely and vigorously.”

Terry Cutmore, Conservative leader of Rochford District Council, praised Mrs Lumley’s move.

He said: “It is a good thing for us, and it shows the strength of feeling for our Conservative policies.

“It is great she has decided to join us.

“June is an established councillor.

“She has been an excellent chairman and brings that experience to our group."