Fellow councillors who were not party to the original email said Coun Goodman’s actions were inappropriate and he should consider his position.

Coun Colin Huckle, representing Weymouth West, said: “I think Mike Goodman needs to consider his position. It is not a professional message to send or an appropriate one.”

Coun Ryan Hope, who represents Westham North, said: “Michael Goodman has no sympathy for the hoteliers or guest house owners. I do not think he cares about them one bit. This email is really inappropriate – he is talking about people’s lives and businesses.”

Coun Ray Nowak, representing Tophill West, said: “It would be a lot more constructive if the council were being supportive of these hoteliers.

“Given what’s happened with the harbour, the council needs to be supporting these people. It’s supposed to be about working together. I don’t think this is helpful of councillor Goodman.”

Coun Mike Byatt, who represents Westham East, said: “The public are entitled to voice their opinions on how their businesses are affected.

“It is important for the Conservative leader of the council to set a good example to demonstrate a good relationship between the council and the public.

“I would leave it to the Conservatives to consider if it is appropriate that their leader and the leader of the council has made these comments.

“But it is important for the council to show respect for members of the public.”

'Come and talk to us'

Hotelier Paul Nash, of Seaspray Guest House, said: “The council has done nothing for us at all. Avoid helping us? I don’t know what help the council were giving us anyway.

“Come and talk to us, Mike Goodman.

“I’ve been to the council’s meetings and there are 200 people there asking questions and it’s very rare you will be answered.

“I’m not sure what help they were giving us in the first place.”

Linda Mann of Redcliff Guest House, said: “It’s disgusting. You would like to think the council are behind us and supporting us, but this shows they are cold-hearted.

“It’s not very professional at all. This is coming from the man that told me to get on the internet – I have been on the internet for six years. They have got no understanding of this industry at all. He is completely missing the point.”

Another who did not wish to be named said: “I am absolutely disgusted. All we were doing is telling the truth. This was a plea to the council to give us some help, and now we have been alienated.

“It makes you wonder if they’re sending emails like this every time someone speaks out. He needs to resign.”

Alison Weller, of Channel View Guesthouse, said: “Mike Goodman has got it completely wrong. We are not asking them to do our marketing – we were asking them to market Weymouth better.

“This email is disgraceful. And to say we are scruffy is completely inappropriate.”