Tory MP Bob Spink was today jubilant after calls to oust him failed.
Mr Spink was delighted after a petition demanding his deselection came to nothing.
The petiton was circulated among Tory members after Mr Spink's controversial and much-publicised court battle with Tory councillor Bill Sharp.
Adrian Roper, Castle Point Tory Association chairman, said: "I haven't received anything from anybody about a petition.
"We are working towards getting Bob and county council candidates elected."
Mr Spink, 56, said: "I am just delighted that these secretive people have backed off so that I can do my job as an MP, fighting for what's right for our community."
* Full story in today's Echo
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