Reform UK takes St Columb Minor seat in Cornwall Council by-election
Heinz Glanville wins local by-election for Reform UK
Heinz Glanville has been elected as the new councillor for the St Columb Minor and Colan division on Cornwall Council, representing Reform UK.
He won 408 votes in the by-election, defeating Independent candidate John Fitter, who received 325 votes. Liberal Democrat Geoff Brown finished third with 296 votes.
The seat became available after Christine Parsonage, the former councillor for the area, resigned in October, citing medical reasons.
Her resignation followed controversy about her residency, as she was living around 45 miles away in Torpoint, and criticism from some members of Newquay Town Council regarding her attendance at their meetings.
In October, Cllr Parsonage defected from Reform UK alongside several other councillors to form the Cornish Independent Non-aligned Group before stepping down days later.
Victory in the St Columb Minor by-election strengthens Reform UK's presence on Cornwall Council, securing 24 seats and solidifying its position as the second largest party in opposition to the Liberal Democrats, who hold 26 seats.
Objectives for St Columb Minor
Cllr Glanville, who has lifelong ties to the St Columb Minor area, spoke before the election about his ambitions for the division.
“I’ve brought my own children up in this wonderful community, and I want every family to have the same chance to thrive,” he said.
Among his key goals as the new councillor, he plans to oppose the proposed park-and-rail site at Quintrell Downs and advocate for more housing for young people in the area.
By-election results
The full results of the St Columb Minor and Colan by-election were as follows:
- Heinz Glanville, Reform UK – 408
- John Fitter, Independent – 325
- Geoff Brown, Liberal Democrat – 296
- Frances Williamson, Green Party – 173
- Mark Formosa, Conservative – 73
- Stuart Hind, Labour – 9
- Nigel May, Independent – 3
A turnout of 27.65% was recorded, equating to 1,288 votes from an electorate of 4,658 in the division.
Call for further by-elections
Since the result, fellow Reform UK councillor Richard Barker has written to Rob Parsonage, leader of the Cornish Independent Non-aligned Group and previous Reform UK member, urging his group to prompt by-elections in their divisions.
In his letter, Cllr Barker said: “I think it’s clear from the results today in St Columb Minor and Colan division that the electorate has maintained their confidence in Reform UK and elected an excellent local candidate in Cllr Heinz Glanville replacing Christine Parsonage.
“While legally you are not required to do so, morally and politically you are! I challenge you to find winning majorities in your divisions. Voters deserve transparency, honesty and trust.”