As other vital budgets are being cut, councillors branded the £120,000 already spent as ‘a waste of money’.

Mayor Oliver said he wanted to re-establish the American office in the light of Donald Trump’s recent election victory.

The aim of the ‘our man in America’ initiative, launched by Torbay Council and Torbay Development Agency was to encourage ‘Silicon Valley’-style businesses in the US to consider Torbay both for trade connections and as an ideal location for a foothold in the European market. But at the recent Torbay Council policy group meeting — where scrutiny members made recommendations on the mayor’s proposed budget — there were calls not to repeat the £40,000-a-year funding.

And it was revealed the American office has so far failed to attract any funding.

The contract for the USA lead generation has now expired and members said it should not be renewed. Cllr Chris Lewis, scrutiny board chairman, said while they did not want the budget for the ‘vital’ work done by Torbay Development Agency on economic regeneration reduced, it should still look to make savings.

But at the Torbay Business Forum business breakfast, mayor Oliver said he hoped to re-establish an office in the United States, particularly in the light of Donald Trump’s election as president.

“I am hoping the TDA and the council will support it though some of my colleagues are not very supportive. “But I had a letter from the Prime Minister saying she supports my bid to have a link with the United States as it is so important for the future of the national economy and for here as well.”

A council spokesman said: “Torbay Council does not have and has never been in possession of an American office. A contract was procured by the TDA on behalf of Torbay Council with the England Development Agency to generate leads for new direct investment from North American businesses.