By-election following death of Cornwall Council’s first Reform UK member

Kevin Towill, who represented the Newquay Porth and Tretherras division, died suddenly last month at the age of 46

Kevin Towill with Nigel Farage
Author: Lee Trewhela, LDRSPublished 19th Mar 2026

A by-election for a Cornwall Council seat previously held by the authority’s first Reform UK member will take place next month.

Cllr Kevin Towill, who defected from the Conservative Party a year ago to become the unitary authority’s first Reform UK councillor, fought back from a debilitating brain tumour to represent the people of Newquay, the town he loved and formerly represented as mayor.

Kevin, who represented the Newquay Porth and Tretherras division, died suddenly last month at the age of 46. Cross-party tributes were paid to the popular councillor. Reform leader Nigel Farage also paid tribute.

A notice of election for the seat was published on March 17 with polling day announced for Thursday, April 23. Nomination papers have to be submitted no later than 4pm on Wednesday, March 25. The candidates will be announced soon after and featured in a future report on this site.

There are also a number of elections for town council seats across Cornwall on Thursday, March 26.

Hayle Town Council – West Ward

Rob Heslington, Reform UK

Caroline Mary Muskett, Independent

Launceston Town Council – North Ward

Steve Haynes, Independent For Launceston North

Kimbo Wade-Hall, Independent

Liskeard Town Council – Central Ward

Andy Field, Reform UK

Martin Symonds, Conservative

Penryn Town Council – Penryn Ward

John Bell, Reform UK

Mikey Jones, Green Party

Nita Owers, Labour

Rachael Ward, Green Party

Redruth Town Council – North Ward

Debbie Broad, Independent

Paddy Deakin, Independent For Redruth

Aaron Thomas Mays, Reform UK

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