A TORY councillor suspended by his party after attending a meeting of the far-right English Defence League has been reinstated.

Blaine Robin, Conservative Southend councillor for Kursaal ward, was suspended from the party last month as an investigation got under way.

In a statement issued by Anna Waite, Tory Rochford and Southend East chairman, said Mr Robin had his suspension lifted with immediate effect.

An independent investigator concluded Mr Robin was unwise to attend the meeting but was not a racist or extremist in any way.

The report added Mr Robin has an excellent record as a party member and a councillor.

It added: "He has worked at all times to achieve a better life for all the residents of his Ward, regardless of race, colour, or religion."