A rival party has called for an explanation why five leading Tories have been suspended by their party.

The Conservative Party is looking at expelling Terry Allen, Peter Balbirnie, Bernard Leatherdale, Denzel Watson and Jack Robertson - but has offered little reason why.

The five - who include the leader of Tendring Council Mr Allen and two other district councillors - admit they are just as in the dark as the rest of the party.

Lawrie Payne, deputy leader of the Labour Group on Tendring Council, today demanded an explanation for the suspensions.

He said: "As executive leader of Tendring District Council Councillor Allen oversees millions of pounds of taxpayers money.

"It is totally unacceptable for him to remain as leader without an explanation as to why his own party is seeking to expel him."