CORNWALL: Reform councillor takes special leave of absence following criticism
A Cornwall councillor, who was criticised by members of a town council for not attending its meetings, has taken a special leave of absence to “concentrate on her wellbeing”. Cllr Christine Parsonage, the Reform UK councillor for St Columb Minor and Colan at Cornwall Council, will be on leave from September 9 to December 7.
Cllr Parsonage was a paper candidate elected to represent St Columb Minor at the Cornwall Council election earlier this year. She lives over 45 miles away in Torpoint, which has led to criticism from opposition councillors.
Her page on Cornwall Council’s website states that in accordance with the council’s agreed Special Leave Policy, she will take a break from council duties for three months.
Her husband Cllr Rob Parsonage – the head of the Reform UK group at Cornwall Council – said in a statement: “In discussion with Cornwall Council, Cllr Christine Parsonage has taken special leave to concentrate on her wellbeing following press and social media interest that has happened using effectively misinformation. She is planning to return to the role as a councillor in a number of weeks time.
“I discussed the issue with the chair of Cornwall Council, Rob Nolan, and the leader of Cornwall Council, Leigh Frost. I made it clear that stoking this type of interest is unacceptable and Reform UK will fully support any councillor irrespective of party should similar circumstances happen to them. Cllr Christine Parsonage has received many emails of support from those that elected her to Cornwall Council.”
The press have previously reported on comments made by councillors at a Newquay Town Council meeting and a letter sent to Cllr Parsonage on behalf of the town council by the Mayor of Newquay, Cllr Drew Creek. Reform UK councillors in Cornwall have defended themselves in the media from criticism from opposition councillors about living miles from the area they represent. We categorically deny printing any “misinformation”.
We reported last month that since the May 1 election she hadn’t attended any Newquay Town Council meetings. The council had sent letters to all newly elected Cornwall councillors in the Newquay area requesting they attend the full town council meetings held on the first Wednesday of every month. Three current Cornwall councillors – Mayor of Newquay Drew Creek (Green Party), Joanna Kenny (Liberal Democrats) and Kevin Towill (Reform UK) – also serve as town councillors and attend regularly.
Cllr Parsonage replied stating she is unavailable on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as she works as a nurse and deputy manager of a care home, but she does attend Cornwall Council meetings and answers correspondence.
Newquay Town Council voted at its meeting on August 6 to write a letter to Cllr Parsonage stating the authority expected her to attend so she can respond to residents’ concerns and be made aware of issues in her division. Cllr Joanna Kenny said at the meeting: “To be fair there is no obligation for a Cornwall councillor to attend any parish meeting. It is totally voluntary. It is a good idea they do, but it is not a requirement.”
In his letter to Cllr Parsonage, Mayor of Newquay Cllr Drew Creek wrote: “As you know, your predecessor provided valued monthly updates to Newquay Town Council (NTC), a vital channel for St Columb Minor and Colan constituents to raise issues. This representation has been absent since May.
“While I appreciate elected members balance multiple commitments, consistent attendance remains fundamental to fulfilling our duty. Meeting dates were provided in advance, and your presence is expected as part of your responsibilities.
“I therefore request your written commitment to: 1. Attend the next NTC full council meeting on Wednesday, October 1, and 2. Prioritise attendance at all future meetings.”
The mayor concluded the letter by saying: “Newquay deserves engaged advocates. I remain available to discuss how we might support your recommitment.”
Cllr Parsonage’s council page advises people to contact other Reform councillors during her period of leave – Kevin Towill for any queries relating to St Columb Minor and Cllr Rowland O’Connor for Colan.