PARTY ACTIVISTS say unity is “breaking out” across UKIP, both nationally and in Clacton.

Tendring councillors who attended its national conference have rallied behind new party leader Diane James and Clacton MP Douglas Carswell.

At the Bournemouth event, Mrs James warmly welcomed Mr Carswell to the stage, even though she earlier told reporters they hadn’t spoken for three months.

“He took a very courageous decision to leave the Tories and to come to us and I’m not interested in what’s gone on beforehand,” she told delegates.

Mr Carswell praised Mrs James for taking on the leadership and saluted the other candidates.

“The membership has spoken and made a clear choice- we now must rally behind Diane. Diane, I give you 110 per cent of my support- well done,” he said, receiving loud cheers and a standing ovation.

Saturday’s show of unity contrasted with barbs exchanged between Mr Carswell and his former leader Nigel Farage.

Mr Farage told LBC radio Mr Carswell had “done all he can to split the party” and “needs to make a big decision about the future.”

Mr Carswell wished Mr Farage “all the luck in his future career as a shock jock.”

Last week, Mrs James suggested the Clacton MP put forward a Private Members Bill to force Theresa May’s government to trigger Article 50 and the two-year process for Britain to leave the European Union.

Mr Carswell initially called the idea “great,” but told the Gazette that such bills are drawn by lottery and it was unlikely he would win.

“I have plenty of things to do to ensure that the government delivers on Brexit,” he said.

This could include triggering votes and debates in the House of Commons.

Mr Carswell said he had enjoyed the “upbeat” conference and “it was wonderful to see our new leader off to a flying start.”

“I was delighted to be so warmly received,” he added.

Tendring UKIP Councillor Richard Everett said conference went “extremely well” and he and Coun Jack Parsons forged “inroads into the new leadership.”

He was “particularly impressed” about how Mrs James is “bringing the party together” and he praised Mr Carswell’s speech, which he expects will have local ramifications.

“Unity will suddenly break out,” he said.

Clacton UKIP Secretary Jack Parsons called it an “awesome” conference, highlighting the support given to Diane James.

Coun Anne Davis, who took part on stage in a “UKIP choir” with fellow Tendring councillor Mary Newton, agreed conference had been “brilliant.”

“This is a new start. This is a new leader. Problems in the past are in the past. They are water under the bridge,” she said.

“Everybody is very pleased at Douglas Carswell’s commitment to work with Diane James. It’s encouraging that within hours of being elected, Diane James has stamped her authority on the party,” Mrs Davis added.