EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has said she "looks forward" to working with district council leader Di Collins, despite tensions between the two at last night's Conservative Association meeting.

Mrs Laing is continuing to celebrate today after winning a crucial vote of confidence among party members last night, and has also received a letter of congratulations from Tory leader David Cameron.

The MP won the ballot, which was called in the wake of controversy over her expenses claims, by 83 per cent.

The Guardian did not attend the vote as all public and press were banned from entry, but sources said Cllr Collins was one of the most passionate speakers against Mrs Laing at the meeting.

Cllr Collins has not spoken to the media in recent weeks about her relationship with the MP.

Mrs Laing too has remained tight-lipped, but did say that Cllr Collins had not shaken her hand after the meeting.

She said: "We are all loyal Conservatives so we both put the Conservative Party first. I look forward to working with her and the other members of the district council in future as we work together for the local community."

Mrs Laing said she had received 164 votes in her favour and 32 against at the meeting, which also saw Conservative Party Chairman Eric Pickles give a speech in her defence, at the request of David Cameron.

She added: "I'm very pleased to have such enormous support from party members."

Mrs Laing, who has held the Epping Forest seat for 12 years, has come under heavy criticism over her expenses, which saw her avoid £180,000 in capital gains tax by telling Parliament a Westminster flat was her second home, while telling the Inland Revenue it was her main home.

She previously indicated that she would not stand as Tory candidate for the seat at the next election if she lost the vote of confidence.

Mrs Laing recently paid back £25,000 to the taxpayer as a "moral gesture" and insists she has always acted within the rules and not done anything wrong.

Parliamentary auditor Sir Thomas Legg has said she did not need to repay any money.

Cllr Di Collins was unavailable for comment.