A LEADING Thurrock councillor has challenged his Conservative counterpart to match rhetoric with action and kick out Tory councillors and party members he has accused of calling Thurrock Conservatives to "unite with organisations such as the BNP".

However, Tory leader Terry Hipsey has hit back at Labour "mischief making".

Labour's leader, councillor John Kent said: "Six weeks ago councillor Hipsey told the people of Thurrock he knew some of his members held extremist views and wanted to unite with the British National Party. Six weeks later and the Conservative party has done nothing to kick these extremists out.

"They are either now happy to have these people in the Conservative Party or there are too many of them and they don't have the guts to take them on.

"Whatever the reason, it proves the Tories are just all talk and lack the courage to take firm action to clean-up the local Conservative Association."

Labour were reacting to cuncillor Hipsey's remarks during a meeting of Thurrock Council's Cabinet on Wednesday, January 16 when he said: "I am aware that even within the ranks of our own party there has been a clamour among some to jump aboard the bandwagon and even, in some places, the call to unite with organisations such as the BNP".

Councillor Hipsey says his words have already been followed by the necessary action and he said: "As mischief-making councillor Kent knows full well, the mark of strong leadership is to manage discipline, ensure motivation and to act as particular circumstances dicate.

"Councillor Kent is not privvy to what goes on within the closed doors of our party organisation, much as I'm sure he would like to know the secrets of our success.

"I spoke strongly, and publically, on the issue of extremism and I am satisfied that where action was warranted it has been taken and where diplomacy has been required it has been delivered.

"We have delivered a firm message to the people of Thurrock and my fellow councillors and I are committed to making good on our word.

"As we approach the next election I am confident that my Conservative colleagues are of one mind and one voice, supportive of the Conservative brand and ready to continue to successfully lead this borough.

"Councillor Kent's petty rhetoric barely disguises the fact that they have no real policies of their own to talk about."