Newquay Central & Pentire

The candidates who are standing for election to Cornwall Council in the Newquay Central & Pentire division on Thursday 1st May 2025 are:

Stephen Beal - Reform UK

Graham Berry - Conservative (declined to take part in coverage)

Jessie Jacobs - Labour

Joanna Kenny - Liberal Democrat

Scroll Down to view the candidates and listen to interviews.
 

• Stephen Beal - Reform UK

  

  PRESS PLAY to listen to our interview with Stephen...
  
  

  I’m Stephen Beal, and I’m proud to be standing as the Reform UK candidate for Newquay Central & Pentire in the upcoming council elections on May 1st. I’m not a politician—I’m a proud father of four, and someone who’s made Cornwall home for more than three decades.

  I’ve raised my family here, worked hard here, and built a life in a town I care deeply about. I understand the everyday challenges local families face because I live them too—whether it’s affording a home, finding secure work, or simply navigating the cost of daily life.

  For over 25 years, I’ve worked in senior leadership across Cornwall’s hospitality and tourism industry. Managing holiday parks and hotels, I’ve created jobs, supported local businesses, and led successful teams. I know how to handle responsibility, balance budgets, and deliver results—and I want to bring that same commitment to our local council.

  But I’m not running to talk about boardrooms—I’m running because, like many of you, I’m tired of being ignored. Our town is being left behind. We see sewage on our beaches, unfair parking charges, unaffordable housing, and too few year-round job opportunities. I’m standing with Reform UK to bring common sense, integrity, and real action to local government.

  My 4 Key Pledges to Newquay:

   Fairer Parking for Families – Parking charges are punishing local people while catering to tourists. I’ll fight for a system that puts residents first.

   Clean Seas for Our Kids – No parent wants to see their child swim in polluted water. I’ll hold water companies accountable and push for investment in proper sewage treatment.

   Homes for Local Families – It’s heartbreaking to see young families priced out of Newquay. I’ll prioritise affordable housing for people who live and work here—not second homes and holiday lets.

   Long-Term Jobs, Not Just Seasonal Work – I’ll back local businesses and initiatives that create stable, year-round jobs so our children have opportunities here in Cornwall.

  Everything I do is driven by my role as a dad. I want my children—and yours—to grow up in a town they’re proud of. A town that’s clean, safe, and thriving. A place where they can afford to live, work, and raise families of their own one day.

  If elected, I’ll bring energy, honesty, and a real family perspective to the council. I’ll always be available, and I’ll never forget who I’m there to represent—you.

  Vote Stephen Beal – Reform UK on May 1st
  Because families deserve a council that puts them first.

  Contact: 

  Stephenb.reformcornwall@gmail.com

   07895 786286

  **

   

   

• Graham Berry - Conservative 
  
  Declined the opportunity to take part.
  
  **

• Jessie Jacobs - Labour

  

  PRESS PLAY to hear our interview with Jessie...

  Newquay and Pentire is an incredible place—and I’m proud to call it home. But for our
  community to truly thrive, we need bold leadership: someone with the vision, energy, and
  experience to make good decisions, get things done, and fight for what matters.
  
  When Cornwall Council tried to privatise our car parks, I didn’t stand by—I stood up. I
  founded the Stop the Car Park Sell-Off campaign, uniting thousands of residents and nearly
  200 local businesses to oppose the decision. That campaign showed me one thing: when we
  come together, we can make a real difference.
  
  As your councillor, I’ll work tirelessly to protect what makes Newquay special and ensure
  Cornwall Council starts making better, more accountable decisions.
  
  I’ve spent over 20 years creating positive change—leading charities, tackling homelessness,
  supporting local businesses, and bringing life back to struggling town centres. I even helped
  run a national network working to improve democracy and decision-making. I know how to
  get things done.
  
  As a lifelong surfer, former chair of Newquay Women’s Surf Club, and someone who’s lived
  much of her life near the sea—I understand what makes coastal communities tick.
  I’ve got the networks, skills, and grit to deliver results—working at local, regional and
  national levels to stand up for Newquay and Pentire.

  My Priorities for Newquay and Pentire
  ✅ Protect Our Beaches
  I’ve backed and even helped run a number of anti-sewage campaigns and will keep fighting
  for cleaner water and safer seas.
  ✅ A Thriving Town Centre
  Support for small businesses, community events, and culture to help Newquay reach its
  full potential.
  ✅ Fix the Parking Mess
  Fairer parking, resident-first solutions, and an end to ANPR camera abuse.
  ✅ Dementia-Friendly Newquay
  I was raised by my grandma. I know how vital it is to make our town inclusive, supportive,
  and accessible for all ages.
  ✅ Tackle Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
  Crack down on issues in the town centre, dunes, and Esplanade Road—including
  underage drinking and problem camping.

  **
  
   

   

• Joanna Kenny - Liberal Democrat

  

  PRESS PLAY to listen to our interview with Joanna...

  Pentire is my home and I’ve served it and Newquay for over 20 years.
  My family first came to Pentire in 1920, my parents met in Porth and courted over
  surfboards on Fistral. They built their dream house by the Gannel, the home I live in
  now It was protecting Fistral for bathers that first got me involved in local politics.
  You’ll still see me on Fistral with a “proper” surfboard - and no wet suit.

  
  Like many of our young people, my career took me to London where I worked in
  finance and computing, picking up qualifications in Accountancy and the Law along
  the way. Both very useful in Newquay politics

  I came home to Cornwall when my mother needed me as a carer. Here I am
  involved in a number of local charities – I always seem to end up as Treasurer. I
  served as a Magistrate in Cornwall for 15 years.. Best hobby is the Newquay
  Singers; over the years I’ve matured from Soprano to second Alto – keep an eye out
  for our coming concerts.

  Working with Newquay Clean, you may have seen me putting in used Christmas
  Trees and replanting Marram grass on the Dunes. I’m looking forward to joining in
  the Gannel water testing. Little things but they help protect our local environment.
  And it’s been fascinating working to get a much-needed conservation area for our
  town, seeing our history as the town boomed from tiny beginnings not that long
  ago.

  I know the NHS, the Cost of Living and general neglect of Newquay are your top
  issues. And for Pentire people, surrounded by the sea and Gannel, the threat of
  sewage in our bathing water.

  In these very difficult times both nationally and locally , it has never been more
  important to exercise your right to vote. Your vote should go to the person you think
  would best represent you at Cornwall Council not to a political party. I hope my
  record and what I have done in Newquay and in Pentire speak for themselves. I
  am most proud of the £1M invested in the Harbour, the Atlantic Road playground ,
  the new access path to Fistral, my part in the improvements of Esplanade Green and
  perhaps most important for our town, driving through the Newquay Neighbourhood
  Plan. Something I’ll need to do again as the rules are changing and we face a
  tsunami of new building - without any extra GPs, or pharmacies, let alone NHS
  dentists.

  I am delighted that I will continue to serve you on the Town Council. But I know
  only too well, without the right Cornwall Councillor, what is desperately needed for
  our town will not happen.