'Serial rebel' is making history in Cornwall's 'gritty diamond'

A MAN who describes himself as a “serial rebel” and only stood as a councillor for the first time four years ago has made history in the town he calls home.

- by LEE TREWHELA Local Democracy Reporter [e-mail] @LeeTrewhela

Stephen Reynolds has just been elected mayor of Penzance for the third year in a row - the first person to do so in 60 years.

In some ways it’s an ironic feat for a man previously dubbed the “Sheriff of Heamoor” for leading an attempt to wrest control of the village from Penzance Council.

He now heads the very council he fought against in what will be a vital period for Penzance, when Town Deal projects worth £21.5 million will change the town for ever.

His leadership coincides with a renaissance of cool in Penzance thanks to an influx of new businesses, from the Loaf bakery on Causewayhead to the Roundhouse café opposite the Pixel creative hub, from the Mor Swimmy wild swimming shop on Market Jew Street to cocktail bar Four on Arcade Steps.

For a town steeped in rebellious spirit it feels as though Penzance, and the surrounding area, has the right mayor to take it on to even greater things.

Not afraid to speak out against Cornwall Council and central government, and unaffiliated to any political party, Stephen says the role of mayor means far more than donning the ceremonial robes at events such as the Golowan festival (though that’s important to him too).

Speaking in the town’s Exchange gallery, he said his continuation as mayor for a historic third term was quite helpful for Penzance in 2025.

“We're living in quite challenging times for local democracy and towns like ours”, he said.

“There's a lot going on in Penzance. A certain amount of continuity is helpful because there’s an extra layer to being mayor at the moment.