THE Conservatives staved off the threat of UKIP to triumph on the Bicknacre and East and West Hanningfield by-election.
Matthew Flack, for the Conservatives, won with 56 per cent of the vote.
David Kirkwood, the candidate for UKIP - who won their first Westminster MP in a Clacton by-election yesterday - came second, 290 votes behind the 649 won by Mr Flack.
The Lib Dem, Green Party and Labour candidates polled 149 votes between them.
A total of 1,158 votes were cast, a turnout of 28.1 per cent.
The seat became vacant upon the death of Councillor Michael Harris in July.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here