Port boss Bob Goldfield and MP Charlie Elphicke have gone head to head this week in a bitter clash over plans to sell off the port of Dover.

A press conference called by the Harbour Board to give its views on Mr Elphicke’s People’s Port proposal led to accusation and counter-accusation as to who was to be trusted.

Mr Elphicke, who recruited the support of Dame Vera Lynn for his campaign, said he had delivered a bid to the Prime Minister.

Mr Goldfield said Mr Elphicke’s proposal was nothing more than a representation on the harbour board’s application to privatise the port.

“It is difficult for us to work out exactly what status this letter has,” said Mr Goldfield.

“It’s a representation rather than a firm bid because it is not a structured bid.”

Mr Elphicke said the People’s Port proposal had been submitted to the Prime Minister as a funded bid and they would like to see it finalised by March next year.

Mr Elphicke said the harbour board's plan was "fantasy" while his bid was "reality".

Mr Goldfield said Mr Elphicke's group’s ambitions were totally unrealistic and undeliverable.

Full story in this week's Dover Mercury.