Veteran Labour stalwart Roy Smith today (Tuesday) vowed to fight a complaint made against him which could lead to him being kicked out of the party he has served for 32 years.

Mr Smith, 74, who is both a Tendring district and Essex county councillor, said he had been "saddened and annoyed" by the allegations.

"This is a serious matter as far as I am concerned and I will not allow any group or individual to take away my credibility," he said.

"I intend to fight this matter to the bitter end and I am sure once the full facts come out the public will be astounded and continue to back me as they have done over many years. I will not give in to it."

Mr Smith said he was unable to go into the allegations at this stage but he said they started with a complaint from a colleague.

He said they also involved his alleged non co-operation with Harwich MP Ivan Henderson's campaign at the General Election.

Ken Aldis, secretary of the executive board of the Harwich Labour Constituency Office, confirmed an investigation had been set up following allegations made against Mr Smith.

"It is an internal matter and I cannot say more at this stage," he explained.

"A report will be made back to a meeting of the executive and if there is a charge to answer it will go to the National Executive to make a decision. If there is no charge, the matter drops."

Mr Smith, who lives in Cherry Tree Avenue, Clacton, represents the Golf Green ward on Tendring Council and Clacton West on Essex County Council.

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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