AS exclusively revealed on Thurrock Nub news yesterday, Chafford South ward councillor Abbie Akinbohun has confirmed her defection to the Conservatives.

Cllr Akinbohun has issued a short statement on her Twitter account on Tuesday night. It said: "With great sadness…I like to announce (sic) that I have left The Labour Party.

Today she changed her Twitter bio from Labour councillor to Conservative councillor and posted a picture of herself with Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price.

No formal statement has yet been received from Thurrock Conservatives, though a senior member confirmed that they were considering taking her into their ranks.

Thurrock's Labour group had preempted Cllr Akinbohun's announcement by saying: " Thurrock Labour group issued the following statement: "Thurrock Labour Group has suspended Councillor Abbie Akinbohun with immediate effect following a complaint about her conduct.

"Thurrock Labour Group will not be commenting further until an investigation has concluded."