Reform UK elects new leader and deputy in Cornwall
It's following the shock resignations earlier in the month
Following the shock resignations of Reform UK’s leader and deputy leader at Cornwall Council, their replacements have been elected today (Tuesday, October 21).
Cllr Rowland O’Connor not only resigned from his post as deputy leader on October 9, he also left the party. Two days later Cllr Rob Parsonage stepped down as leader amid criticism from a former senior member of the party in Cornwall.
Following an emergency general meeting of the Reform UK Cornwall Council group today, St Austell Poltair & Mount Charles councillor Paul Ashton and Redruth North councillor Roger Tarrant have been elected as group leader and deputy leader respectively with what Reform’s press office says was a decisive majority.
In his election address, Cllr Ashton spoke about the breakthrough that was made in the May elections when Reform were voted in as the largest political group on the council with 28 seats. A Liberal Democrat / Independent alliance kept Reform from forming a ruling administration.
According to a Reform press release, he also spoke about progress that has been made by the party since then, though there is talk in political circles – including within Reform itself – that the party is currently experiencing in-fighting in Cornwall.
Cllr Ashton said: “I am honoured to have been elected to this trusted position and will work hard to lead the party into the next phase of growth and impact across Cornwall. I recognise the challenges that we all face in these tough economic times and as we seek to work collaboratively in council, our Reform councillors will also be pressing hard to make the changes that voters told us they want to see.”
A spokesperson for Reform said councillors Ashton and Tarrant will be consulting councillors and council officers over the next few weeks to determine portfolios and positions.