Key partners in a bid to create “Greater Brighton” have publically fallen out after a politician refused to apologise for labelling a port “grim”.

The City Deal has the potential to see tens of millions of pounds pour into Brighton and Hove and the surrounding Worthing, Adur, Lewes and Mid Sussex districts to create jobs and boost business.

But, just weeks before the bid for greater localised powers is presented to Whitehall officials, Lewes District Council leaders have accused Brighton and Hove officials of not showing it respect.

This was after Brighton and Hove city councillor Christopher Hawtree labelled Newhaven, a town which has been identified for regeneration under the bid, as “grim”.

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Lewes leader James Page has now demanded an apology from the Green councillor and his council leader Jason Kitcat, adding the comments undermined its attempts to work together.

Lewes council leader James Page told The Argus: “I think there have been some concerns from Lewes residents and some council members the City Deal could effectively see Lewes merged into Brighton.

“It’s not helpful when members of the administration in Brighton start maligning Newhaven publically and then refusing to apologise.

“It only demonstrates the nonchalance that people in Brighton show towards the Lewes district.

“I’m looking for someone to show some respect to Newhaven and retract what has been said.”

Coun Page added: “I’m not saying Lewes is pulling out. But I will not stand by and see parts of my district maligned by someone who is clearly talking out the back of his head.”

Brighton and Hove was one of 20 cities selected to bid for City Deal status in October 2012.

After joining with neighbouring authorities, it has now produced a 10-tier vision to show how new powers could create an “Innovation Technology Super City Region”.

The five key areas identified are: the New England Quarter in Brighton; Guildbourne Centre in Worthing; Cleantech Growth Hub in Newhaven; Shoreham Harbour and airport; and Preston Barracks, Brighton.

Coun Page added he felt the City Deal was just one way the local authority was exploring to bring about the regeneration of Newhaven In response, Coun Kitcat said: “I discussed these concerns with the council’s chief executive earlier in the week and I made clear then that Coun Hawtree does not speak on behalf of the administration or the council.

“That message I made very clear although I’m happy to make it again.

“I’m delighted that Newhaven is one of a number of sites included in the bid as an area with the greatest potential.”