Reform becomes largest party on Cornwall Council

Reform UK has emerged as the largest single party on Cornwall Council, securing 28 seats in the latest elections, closely followed by the Liberal Democrats with 26.

Independent candidates also performed strongly in the Cornwall Council elections, pushing both the Conservatives and Labour further down the rankings. Just seven Conservatives were elected, while Labour secured only four seats - three of which were in Falmouth.

It means the council remains in no overall control as no single party secured the number of seats needed for a majority, leaving the balance of power dependent on potential coalitions or agreements between groups.

The Green Party now holds three seats on the council, including its first ever in Newquay, where Drew Creek narrowly beat Reform UK to take the division.

There were further surprises in Newquay. Reform UK candidate and former Conservative councillor Kevin Towill won in Newquay Porth and Tretherras. Towill, who defected to Reform earlier this year, unseated long-serving Conservative councillor Olly Monk. The outgoing councillor thanked his supporters, saying:

"Sadly I lost to Reform. I have been a councillor for 12 years now and it’s time for me to draw the curtain on this part of my life journey. Good luck to all those who have supported me over the years and I wish you all well."

Liberal Democrat Joanna Kenny has been elected to represent Newquay Central and Pentire. The longstanding town councillor and former Mayor of Newquay previously served on Cornwall Council until the last local elections. The seat was previously held by Conservative Louis Gardner.

Reform UK also gained St Columb Minor and Colan, with Christine Parsonage defeating Independent councillor John Fitter. In St Columb Major, St Mawgan and St Wenn, Reform’s Rowland O’Connor claimed victory.

While Reform UK made significant gains across Cornwall, attention is now turning to the possibility of a coalition among non-Reform councillors. The BBC reports that Tim Dwelly, newly elected as an Independent in Penzance East, suggested that talks are underway to prevent Reform from taking control of the council.

“I don’t doubt for a minute that Independents, Liberal Democrats, Labour, Mebyon Kernow, and the Greens will have a lot in common and will work together,” he said.

Former St Austell and Newquay MP Steve Double’s attempted return to politics was also halted by Reform, with their candidate Julie Cunningham defeating him. Double lost his parliamentary seat to Labour's Noah Law in the 2024 General Election.

Final results:

• Reform UK – 28

• Liberal Democrats – 26

• Independents – 16

• Conservatives – 7

• Labour – 4

• Greens – 3

• Mebyon Kernow – 3