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.