Two resignations rock Reform UK party in Cornwall

A statement from the Reform UK group in Cornwall said: "Following careful consideration, Cllr Robert Parsonage has decided to step down from his role as group leader, effective immediately. To ensure continuity, Keith Johnson has been elected interim group leader after a vote of Reform UK councillors, with Kevin Towill appointed as deputy leader. This arrangement will remain in place until the group makes a formal decision on leadership in the next few weeks.

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Cllr Johnson, who represents Saltash Tamar, said: "We are immensely grateful to Rob for his steadfast commitment and tireless efforts as our group leader. His contributions have been invaluable to our cause in Cornwall and we wish him well in his future endeavours. Our focus remains on serving the people of Cornwall and delivering on our promises with unity and determination."

Curt Mellows - former chairman of the South East Cornwall branch of Reform - said he had thought long and hard about speaking out about the leadership, but felt he now had to. It was the resignation of Cllr Rowland O'Connor from Reform last week which instigated Mr Mellows' comments.

Cllr O'Connor - who was voted in as the Reform councillor for the St Columb Major, St Mawgan and St Wenn division in May - will now work as a standalone Independent member.

In a statement issued last week, Cllr O'Connor said: "Over recent months, it has become clear that my own views and priorities for how best to serve local residents have increasingly diverged from those of the party. To continue representing our community with honesty and independence, I believe it is right to step away from party affiliation."