A WALKOUT was staged when Weymouth and Portland's mayor made a 'shocking' speech about the borough's tourism industry.

Business owners have voiced their outrage after mayor Kate Wheller gave the talk at yesterday's Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce (WPCC) annual members' drive breakfast.

Here is a clip of the Mayor's speech from the breakfast. (Video by Barry Whettingsteel)

She has since defended her words, saying the speech- made as she wore mayor regalia- was meant to 'ruffle feathers' and that 'the truth hurts.'

Cllr Wheller criticised Weymouth's reliance on the tourism industry, saying it isn't the most important business for the town.

She said: “The BID still puts tourism first and I think that's a shame. Tourism is important but other businesses are more important in this town.

“Tourism has economic problems that it brings to us. It's low-waged, it's low skilled, and frankly it brings huge numbers of people into the town that put pressure on all the other services in the town.”

She added: “I think it's a shame that the BID doesn't have an MP on its board. Dorchester BID does. Why isn't our MP on here working for our town?”

Additionally, Cllr Wheller said tourist information centres 'have a limited life [span] with smart phones,' despite the plans for a new centre in Weymouth after a public campaign.

Although there was a 'record turnout' at the breakfast, many people said they were offended at the mayor's comments and walked out during the speech.

President of the chamber, Julie Cleaver, said: “A lot of members have said they are very shocked, disgusted, and appalled at cllr Wheller's statement this morning.

“She was invited by me to the breakfast because we are proud of what we have achieved in Weymouth and Portland, so I was shocked with what she came out with. We handed her that invitation and it was an opportunity for her to support us.”

Ms Cleaver said the speech could have damaged WPCC's reputation with potential members.

“I'm really quite angry about that because I have worked hard to maintain and improve our reputation. We did have a couple of membership forms handed in but 20 people stood up and walked out,” she said.

The speech prompted a backlash on social media from business people at the meeting.

Barry Whettingsteel, director at Dorset Digital Solutions was one of the people who walked out after taking 'great offence' to the speech. He said he believes cllr Wheller should give a 'public apology'.

You can see a clip of Kate Wheller's speech here

In a president's message sent out to Chamber of Commerce members this morning (Wednesday), Julie Cleaver said: "Each year the Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce hosts a Buddy Breakfast where non-Chamber members are invited to come along to a complimentary breakfast in order that they can get an understanding of and feel for the Chamber.

"This year we invited Michael Hanlon from the Jurassica Project to talk about inward investment, skilled employment and a real opportunity for Weymouth and Portland to be recognised on the UK Tourist map. We also invited our Mayor Cllr Kate Wheller to come along so that she could meet her business community.

"Cllr Wheller decided to use this platform, in front of over 100 businesses, to address political issues which were not directly relevant to all the businesses in the audience.

"This did not go down at all well with businesses who are not only working hard to make a living but are also working very hard to collectively make Weymouth and Portland a better place to live and work. I was shocked, upset and disappointed that at our invitation to a well-intentioned breakfast, our Mayor decided to vent her personal opinions. Cllr Wheller did have some valid points but this was not the time or place to discuss them."

She added: "I would like to thank everyone who attended the breakfast and I appreciate your continued support. The Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce will continue to be the most vibrant Chamber in Dorset and the voice of local business. We are proud of what we have achieved to date.

"The Chamber will continue to work closely with the Weymouth BID, Dorset Chamber of Commerce, the local authority and the Dorset LEP to ensure that the voice of Weymouth and Portland businesses are heard, listened to and acted upon."

Mayor defends speech

Kate Wheller said her speech was meant to 'ruffle feathers' and if her comments offended people, 'the truth hurts'.

She added that most people left because their car park tickets were running out.

She said: “I was asked to talk about the importance of business to the town, and I said I thought businesses needed to up their game.

“Two-hundred foreign fishermen from 17 different countries were here last week and at least 50 percent of those told me how disappointed they were at the poor standard of service they received. That's really quite appalling.”

She added poor standards are 'not everywhere' but businesses needed to train their staff so they gain better service skills.

“I have worked in the catering industry, I know how hard it is but we have got to do better.

“Apparently these are the movers and shakers of the town but they didn't know there has been a new chief executive on the council, and didn't know there has been a political change to the council.

“I spoke to Julie after the meeting and she said I didn't point out any of the good things they have been doing. But I said I don't know about the good things we have done, if we have I haven't seen them. All I see is the same stuff. I want them to improve the offering that they are making to the people of Weymouth and Portland.

“If anyone wants to phone me up and have a proper conversation them I am happy to do so.”

She has since written a comment on her Facebook page last night adding:

"It seems I upset Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce this morning. It was not my intention to offend but I did want to challenge.

"I wanted them to sit up and look around at what is happening in other places. We have a great location, much better amenities than other places but if we become complacent we will be overtaken. We must adapt or die.

"I criticised the standard of service we receive in some local establishments. The hospitality trade is hard and it is competitive. What makes you use one coffee shop over another? Quick service - the right order - a smile? Staff tend to be young, train them well, pay them well and they will repay you and your business.

"We have cruise ships visiting the town, be ready for guests, don't turn them away because you don't speak German! ( True story) . How about multi-lingual menus? I do believe the BID is concentrating too much on tourism, of course it is important to us, and the events are good for those of us who live here too.

"But we need more. You will hear a lot about this over the next day or so, please share what I have said. I am not the enemy, I love Weymouth and Portland and I want the best for the Borough. Members of the Chamber of Commerce have a part in making it great."