The leader of Kent County Council has warned a continuing political row over the future of Manston is putting at risk a drive to bring jobs and investment to east Kent.

Cllr Paul Carter (Con) was responding to another attack on him by the Conservative North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale.

Writing in his regular column for the Thanet Extra, the MP said supporters of reviving Manston as an airport had no reason to trust Mr Carter or take him into their confidence.

He also suggested that Mr Carter should consider his position given that he was “found wanting” over the campaign to reopen Manston as an airport and a drive to compulsory purchase the site.

In a letter responding to the claims, seen by The KM Group, Mr Carter warned the argument was endangering the area’s economic recovery.

“I would point out that attracting significant inward investment into the economically challenging parts of Kent is not easy. We are in grave danger of stifling confidence in East Kent.”

He went on to defend his record on the issue, saying he had been “totally consistent” in his views on Manston, which were shared by most Conservative county councillors.

He continues: “I realise that my views may be different to yours but nevertheless the debate should be open, transparent and evidenced. Sadly, there has been much mischief making and erroneous information peddled on social media.”

His letter says KCC would “continue to act in a way that leads to the right decisions to be made that will lead to economic growth, jobs and prosperity in the east of Kent.”

Mr Carter reiterates that he has still to see a business plan from the American consortium RiverOak.

The war of words between two high-profile politicians comes as a government-commissioned report on whether a CPO for Manston would be viable is expected to be published next week.

The report by Price Waterhouse Coopers has been seen by the council and it has responded.

However, the final version of the report will not be ready ahead of a council cabinet meeting next Wednesday and the issue will not be on the agenda.

The current owners of the site say they have no plans to incorporate any aviation activity into their plans for a business park.