Lib Dem elected as Cornwall Council leader

Liberal Democrat councillor Leigh Frost has been elected as the new leader of Cornwall Council.

The Bodmin St Petroc member was the only nominee for the role and received 53 votes at the full council meeting, with 25 councillors abstaining.

Reform UK, now the largest single party on the council, ruled out forming an administration after falling short of a majority needed to take control. The Liberal Democrats had indicated they would seek to work with Independents and other parties to form a new leadership.

The meeting on Tuesday marked the first full council session since the local elections held on 1 May.

Cllr Frost, who has represented Bodmin St Petroc since 2017, named Cllr Adam Paynter as his deputy leader. He also announced the eight other members of his Cabinet, though their specific portfolios have not yet been confirmed.

The Cabinet members are:

• Cllr Jim McKenna (Independent)

• Cllr Hilary Frank (Liberal Democrat)

• Cllr Tim Dwelly (Independent)

• Cllr Sarah Preece (Liberal Democrat)

• Cllr Loic Rich (Independent)

• Cllr Peter La Broy (Independent)

• Cllr Dan Rogerson (Liberal Democrat)

• Cllr Thalia Marrington (Liberal Democrat)

Reform UK group leader Cllr Rob Parsonage previously told the BBC he was "disappointed" not to reach an agreement and claimed voters would be unhappy.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Frost said:
“As a proud Cornish boy, it is a real honour to be elected leader of the council.

“I want to build a better Cornwall, and we can do that through being a collaborative administration. The people of Cornwall have decided that no single party should have control of the council, and that we should work together to do our best for Cornwall.

“We need to get back to basics and focus on what really matters to our residents. There are real challenges facing us that we must tackle, but we will do so together.

“My message to residents is that we’re listening. It doesn’t matter who you voted for, we want to hear your views, to represent you and work for you, for the good of one and all.”

At the same meeting, Cllr Rob Nolan was elected as the new Chairman of the Council.