THE TORIES have emerged victorious in a by-election largely fought over the future of Castle Point's 5,00 home local plan.

Conservative Michael Dixon won with 44.9 per cent of the vote, staving off a strong challenge from People's Independent Party Candidate John Woodley who secured 39.2 per cent of the vote.

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Labour candidate Bill Emberson picked up just 15.9 per cent of the vote.

Turnour for the by-election was fairly low, with only 1,119 votes cast.

The by-election was called following the death of Conservative councillor Bill Dick, who represented St Peter’s ward until his death in December.

The Tory win boosts the Conservative councillors' majority to 21 members on the council, with 16 Canvey Island Independence Party (CIIP) councillors and four members of the People’s Independent Party (PIP).