A LEADING Tory has dismissed as "absolute rubbish" claims of a link between Conservatives and an independent candidate for next month's council elections.

The row has broken out in Westborough ward, Westcliff, where there are six candidates for the elections on May 1.

Among them are two independents, the sitting councillor Dr Marimuthu Velmurgan and Westborough resident Deri Laycock.

Residents have claimed leaflets for the official Conservative candidate, Susan Luty, wife of Tory Eastwood councillor Dr Jason Luty, and Mr Laycock, have been delivered by the same person at the same time.

However, John Lamb, Tory deputy leader of Southend Council, said: "This is an absolute load of rubbish.

"We have our own candidate in Westborough and we would be mad to want to try to interfere with the votes. All we would be likely to achieve is letting Labour back in."

David Glover, vice chairman of the Residents' Association of Westborough, said he had received a number of reports of leaflets being put through doors together.

He added: "I find this very odd and wonder whether we have a stalking horse candidate for Westborough ward, in order to confuse voters.

"Anyone who is connected or colludes with sleaze will only serve to bring their party into disrepute and I am disgusted by those who seek to interfere with our democratic process."

Martin Terry, Independent councillor in Westborough and leader of the independent group on Southend Council, said: "This appears to be all wrong and the Tories should come clean on the issue."

However, Dr Luty said: "I do have to point out, any resident of Westborough is entitled to stand against Mr Terry, or any of his cronies, with or without his approval.

"Westborough is not his private empire.

"To my knowledge, Mr Laycock is not a member, supporter or sympathiser with any political party and he is entirely independent.

"Moreover, it would be quite false and probably defamatory for anyone to suggest otherwise.

"I would not propose to make any further comment about Deri Laycock's candidacy."

The Echo has been unable to contact Deri Laycock.