Cornwall Tories lose council majority after resignation

Cornwall Council’s ruling Conservative group has “lost its way”, a councilor who has resigned from the party has said.

Adrian Harvey, who represents St Newlyn East, Cubert and Goonhavern, tendered his resignation on Thursday.

He is the second person to leave the party this week – costing them their official majority in power as they now hold 43 of the 87 seats.

The BBC has approached council leader Linda Taylor and the Conservative group for comment.

Mr Harvey said it was not an easy decision but he had been unhappy with management for several months.

He said: “I have a problem with Linda Taylor’s leadership. She is not a very good people manager.

He predicted other Tories would join him in leaving the group and said they were “disappointed, it has lost its way”.

“We don’t know anything that goes on within Cornwall Council – we’re not told.

“We knew more when we were in opposition than we know now – and that’s wrong.”

His resignation means the Conservatives no longer have a majority – although they can rely on non-aligned members to help them win votes.

Speaking on BBC Radio Cornwall ahead of his departure, leader Linda Taylor said: “I think it would be naive for anyone to think that a political group can get from the start of the administration to the end with all the members intact.

“I got the full support of the group behind me. We have nine months to continue our journey to make a difference in Cornwall”.

She also rejected criticism that the council was not transparent enough.

“I’m always in charge, but there are times when we have to have discussions that are highly confidential,” she added.

All Cornwall councilors will be up for re-election in May 2025.