ONE of Dorset's most senior Tories has claimed the leader of the new BCP Council 'boasted' that she would cancel the Bournemouth Air Festival.

Councillor Philip Broadhead, the deputy leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Conservatives, took to Twitter to make the allegations against Cllr Vikki Slade.

Bournemouth Echo:

Cllr Vikki Slade

As reported, rumours were circulating online today that the popular event wouldn't take place in 2020 and may not return for the foreseeable future.

However, tourism officials say the rumours are sheer fabrication, and there are no plans to shelve the festival.

Shortly afterwards, Cllr Broadhead Tweeted: "Only a few days ago, the new Lib Dem leader of BCP Council was boasting to those, including the chair of the tourism board, that she was cancelling the 2020 Bournemouth Air Festival.

"Seems she’s done a big u-turn now after pressure has grown.

"Thank God - disaster averted!"

Bournemouth Echo:

Cllr Philip Broadhead

Fellow Conservative councillor Bobbie Dove replied under the Tweet: "Great news for hoteliers and small businesses in the BCP Council area who were extremely worried about the comments that had been made by the new Lib Dem leader.

"Careless remarks such as this costs the area both economically and reputationally."

The Daily Echo has contacted Cllr Slade for comment.