History-maker helping to add sparkle to the 'gritty diamond'

For a town steeped in rebellious spirit, it feels like Penzance and the surrounding area has the right mayor to take it on to even greater things, says Lee Trewhela

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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 loves. Stephen Reynolds has just been made 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 who was previously dubbed the ‘Sheriff of Heamoor'’ for leading an attempt to wrestle control of the West Cornwall village from Penzance Town Council. He now heads the very council he fought against during a vital period for Penzance when £21.5 million worth of Town Deal projects will change the face of the town forever.

His leadership comes at a time when, dare I say it, the town is enjoying a renaissance of cool with a fresh injection of young businesses, from Loaf bakery on Causewayhead to Roundhouse cafe opposite the Pixel creative hub, from Mor Swimmy wild swimming shop on Market Jew Street to Four cocktail bar on Arcade Steps. For a town steeped in rebellious spirit, it feels like 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, the role of mayor means far more to Stephen than the donning of robes at events like the Golowan festival (though that's important to him too).

Speaking in the town’s Exchange gallery, Stephen told me his continuation as mayor for a historic third term is actually quite helpful for Penzance in 2025. “We're living in quite challenging times for local democracy and towns like ours. 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.