Summary of the year

As I write this it’s coming to the end of my second year, having most recently been elected in May 2024. For the Liberal Democrats in SE Cornwall it has been a mixed year, as Sarah increased the Liberal Democrat majority in Lostwithiel and Lanreath, previously held by Colin Martin. Adam Sturtridge, Chair of Cornwall Liberal Democrats, who is a St Mellion Parish Councillor, said “In May elections, four of us despite narrowly missing being elected as Cornwall Councillors, but each of us have remained active and continue serving our respective communities on Town and Parish Councils.”

I have had a busy year, interrupted by a spell of illness in June, and then flu in November. I am always encouraging others to look after their own health, as Cornwall Council has a role in Public Health and Protection, so next year I will follow my own advice and make sure I get vaccinated early. 

Meanwhile, in May, I was joined my Liberal Document colleague Hilary Frank, who has been Cornwall Councillor for Saltash Essa since 2013, and Sarah Preece, who was elected as Councillor for Lostwithiel and Lanreath for the first time this year. Both of them have Portfolios, so they have extra responsibilities, which keeps them very busy.

Hilary says: Reflecting on 2025, what stays with me most is how much of my work has been about keeping things closer to home. In my Cabinet role for Children, Families and Schools, that has meant taking practical steps to make sure children and families can actually reach the support they need. Introducing automatic enrolment for Free School Meals is one example. It cuts through paperwork so children get the money they are entitled to, without families having to fight the system. Another has been developing two properties so we can begin running our own children’s homes, helping young people stay closer to the adults they trust, and reducing our reliance on costly private provision. Closer still, I’m pleased we’ve secured a future for Churchtown Farm Community Nature Reserve, looking after a place people care about, and the wildlife and habitats it supports. The year ahead is about keeping these connections strong in the places we live our lives.

Sarah says: As Cornwall councillor and portfolio holder for tourism, localism and planning I have been navigating my divisional role alongside the work of cabinet. I have taken part in a wide range of economic and cultural boards, looking at Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s prosperity to ensure our priorities are heard and acted on.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the role has been getting out across Cornwall and particularly the South East to see firsthand the creativity, ambition and community spirit that drive so many local projects. An undoubted highlight was joining Dobwalls Primary School for the Go Cornwall Cornish Language Awards - a wonderful celebration of our culture in the classroom.

I also attended the Global Cornish event at Westminster to celebrate and promote Cornish heritage across the world, met with community partners and MPs to discuss the visitor economy and worked with key stakeholders to secure the future of Newquay Zoo.

I would like to take this opportunity to show appreciation for all those who make our communities so special – the Town and Parish Councils, volunteers and innumerable charitable organisations, each and every one of you make a real difference to our area - thank you.

Bledhen Nowydh Da! Happy New Year!