It calls for a new minister and more decentralized powers

Calls for a new Cornwall minister have been made by county leaders.

Councilor Linda Taylor and Lord Hutton, chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum, wrote to the Prime Minister saying the new role would be “pivotal” in strengthening the Duchy.

The council leader said he hoped a minister would result in a change in income and job growth.

Ms Taylor said: “The Council of Europe clearly recognizes Cornwall’s legitimacy as a nation and that recognition is given to Ireland, Scotland and Wales and they have ministers.”

“Very, very keen”

Cornwall Council said the letter also called for fairer funding in the future. In 2015, Cornwall became the first county to sign a devolution agreement.

Two years later, a £360 million deal was signed to give the Duchy more powers, but the deal was not launched and was cut back to 2023.

The council abandoned plans to pursue a devolution deal with an elected mayor due to public opposition.

Cornwall’s existing devolution agreements cover areas including transport and renewable energy.

The council said any other powers must come up with additional money, more in line with the national average.

Labor MP for Truro and Falmouth Jayne Kirkham said it was up to the Prime Minister to decide who to appoint as ministers.

But Ms Kirkham said she was “very, very keen on more devolution for Cornwall”.

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