A Conservative councillor has admitted he made an error in sending an email to all councillors urging Tory colleagues to “attack, attack, destroy” the council’s leading Cabinet.

Newquay councillor Olly Monks sent the email intended for his Conservative colleagues this morning in response to reports that Cornwall Council was urging people not to visit the county this summer.

But instead of just sending to his party colleagues he copied in all 123 members of the council – including those his dig was aimed at.

The short response was made in relation to comments attributed to Cabinet member Tim Dwelly who was calling for more government support for tourism businesses instead of welcoming tourists to Cornwall.

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Cllr Monks wrote: “Attack Attack Destroy!! How dare he…”

Asked about the email the Conservative councillor said: “I was trying to send a message to Conservative colleagues and make some political capital out of this. Unfortunately I accidentally sent it to everyone.”

However Cllr Monks stood by his decision and said he disagreed with the council’s stance on welcoming visitors to Cornwall.

“I just think it is absolutely appalling that Cornwall Council would take a position to try and turn away people coming to Cornwall,” he said.

“Our industry and economy thrives on visitors and I find it an outrageous position for a Cabinet member to say stay away.

“It shows a lack of understanding about how business and enterprise works.”

Falmouth Packet:

Councillor Olly Monks

Cllr Dwelly has said the council wants to support tourism businesses but an influx of tourists could result in a second spike in coronavirus.

Cllr Monk said: “I don’t buy that. What we are seeing across Europe where they have relaxed lockdown, there hasn’t been a second spike anywhere.

“To suggest there could be a second spike is, to me, scaremongering. People can make their own decisions on whether to travel to Cornwall or not. There is no evidence that a second spike is underway or will happen.

“I just think it is clearly the wrong message to be sending out, saying that Cornwall is shut.

“July the fourth is still a few weeks off – we could be in a position where it is safe for people to come and visit and support our businesses and help get our economy going again.”