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Scott Mann has resigned as deputy leader of the Conservative group on Cornwall Council in a protest over funding for a proposed sports stadium.

He emailed his resignation to leader Alec Robertson, saying a report was being presented to the council asking for up to £16m of funding.

Mr Mann said he was against taxpayer funding for the £24m Stadium for Cornwall at Threemilestone.

Developer Inox has outline planning permission for the 10,000-seat stadium.

The Exeter-based firm also wants to build 1,500 houses at

Mr Mann said in his email: "The Conservative group have made it clear on two separate occasions that no taxpayer funding should be used.

"However a report is now being presented asking for 12-16 million pounds worth of funding.

"I am of the view that the aims and ambitions of the council need to reflect our supported will as a group. It is very apparent that this has not been the case here."

Mr Mann confirmed the content of the email but declined to comment further.

Mr Robertson, who has led the Conservative-Independent coalition since the elections for the new unitary authority in June 2009, declined to make an immediate comment.