John Pollard, the independent member for the Hayle North electoral division, has been unanimously elected as the new leader of Cornwall Council.
Pollard, who was proposed by Liberal Democrat group leader Jeremy Rowe and seconded by Julian German, deputy leader of the independent group, thanked colleagues for their support and pledged to work with everyone to build a better Cornwall for all.
With no single group in overall political control following the elections on May 2, the new Council administration has been formed through an alliance of the independent and Liberal Democrat groups.
The Labour and Mebyon Kernow groups have pledged to work “positively and constructively” with the new administration, while UKIP has stated that it will co-operate with the alliance where it can. The Conservative group announced last week that it would not be joining the alliance.
In his first official speech, Pollard said that his aim was to encourage a consistent and collaborative approach.
He said: “My aim as Leader is to work with all members to create a “can do” positive and responsive Council and to build better relationships with all our partners. We need to fight for fairer funding, to bring investment into the county and to build the best, most inclusive vibrant and successful Cornwall possible.”
Following his election as Council Leader, Pollard announced that the following nine members had been appointed to the Cabinet. While Jeremy Rowe has been confirmed as deputy leader, details of the allocation of portfolios will be announced later this week
Cabinet:
- Jeremy Rowe ( Liberal Democrat – St Issey and St Tudy)
- Bert Biscoe (Independent – Truro Boscawen)
- Geoff Brown (Liberal Democrat – Newquay Central)
- Alex Folkes (Liberal Democrat – Launceston Central)
- Julian German (Independent –Roseland )
- Edwina Hannaford ( Liberal Democrat – Looe West, Lansallos and Lanteglos)
- Judith Haycock (Independent – Helston South)
- Adam Paynter (Liberal Democrat – Launceston North and North Petherwin)
- Andrew Wallis (Independent – Porthleven and Helston)
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