EFFORTS to bring an e-Grand Prix to Bournemouth are carrying on under new leadership after BCP Council declined to put any money into the planning.

The council has cited “cost of living pressures” for its decision not to contribute financially, but says it has devoted “considerable time and effort” instead.

Tony Williams, who started efforts to secure the electric motorsport event, has pulled out of the bid, claiming the council “never really engaged”.

READ MORE: Bournemouth e-Grand Prix team still hopeful of event but waiting for council backing

Lisa Dent, who formed Bournemouth GP Enterprises Ltd along with Mr Williams, has since quit as a director of that company in order to pursue the e-Grand Prix project as part of a new working group.

Mr Williams said event organiser Formula E was searching for a UK venue for a “Monaco-style” event and track designers had visited Bournemouth and agreed it could be done.

“We were looking for a partnership where public and private sectors could work together,” he said.

“It would benefit everyone – especially SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). They are the cornerstone of the economy.”

He added: “BCP Council never really engaged. At the time we started this, financial cracks were beginning to appear and matters, as we know, gradually deteriorated. The council had no money.”

BCP Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Phil Broadhead, said: “We welcome plans to host a future e-Grand Prix in Bournemouth, which is why we’ve devoted considerable time and effort from the council team working with the promoters of this potential spectacle. 

"We’ve had a series of detailed meetings covering most of the relevant aspects necessary for such a large, internationally renowned event – from potential routes and logistical implications, alongside the impacts on our tourism and economic sectors.

“Whilst, due to the cost of living pressures, the council cannot financially contribute to the planning for this event, our area is well regarded for hosting large events of this scale and we will continue to work with and support the bidding team.”

A statement for Lisa Dent said she had resigned as a director of Bournemouth GP Enterprises after Mr Williams withdrew his individual and company support from the project.

She said Mr Williams had shared his views online “in a manner that is both detrimental and damaging to the bid process and causes reputational concern”.

She said she would continue to work on an expression of interest (EOI) in a Formula E Grand Prix event, alongside a new working group and with support from BCP Council and other stakeholders.

“The working group includes Driven International, who are a highly reputable organisation with a huge amount of expertise and experience in this field. The EOI will be submitted under the umbrella of Breakthrough Events Ltd, a well-established and experienced global event agency,” the statement added.