Meet the General Election candidates standing across Cornwall

With Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling the General Election for July 4, the main political parties have announced the candidates who will stand for the six constituencies in Cornwall.

Five of Cornwall's six Conservative MPs will defend their seats, while a new candidate will hope to replace Camborne and Redruth's George Eustice, who will retire at the next election. However, will it remain a sea of blue in Kernow? A YouGov poll last month suggested only one of our Tory MPs will keep their seat.

Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have announced all of their candidates, while Reform UK still has two candidates to be confirmed. Mebyon Kernow, the "party for Cornwall" which leads the campaign for the self-government for Cornwall through the creation of a National Assembly or Parliament, is still debating whether or not to stand candidates in the General Election.

Read next: Cornish MP reacts to poll and says 'if I'm out, that's democracy'

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Meet all of the candidates below in their - or their party's - words:

North Cornwall

Conservative - Scott Mann

Scott was first elected in June 2017 and again in December 2019. He is defending the seat and is also standing up for North Cornwall's essential industries - fishing, farming and tourism - which are vital to its economy through creating jobs, revenue, produce and trade.

During his time as MP, Scott has been a member of the House of Commons' Environmental Audit Committee, was the vice-chairman of both the Local Democracy and WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), and also sat on the Government's Life Chances Group to form policy around creating better life chances for people from deprived backgrounds.

For more details head here.

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Labour - Robyn Harris

"We need a voice for North Cornwall who can advocate for fishing and farming families, residents, workers, and retirees. After completing my education at Wadebridge School, I pursued art and Illustration at Falmouth University before transitioning into mental health and learning disabilities nursing for the NHS in Bodmin.

"My political involvement started at Wadebridge Town Council and expanded to include participation in the Labour Party and Labour Women’s Network. Over the years, I have received political education and partnered with unions. Advocating for women on the issue of 'Violence at work is not part of the job'. Additionally, I harvested cabbages for food banks last year and undertook a fundraising walk in February this year for Refuge."

For more details head here.

Liberal Democrats - Ben Maguire

Born in Treliske, 32-year-old Ben grew up in Withiel, near Wadebridge, and went to school in Bodmin where his mother was a teacher and his father a GP.

After graduating, Ben worked as a Parliamentary aide and constituency caseworker to former Lib Dem North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson and, later, Ian Swales, MP. He also took research placements in the Hong Kong Legislative Council and the United States Senate. More recently, Ben has worked as a solicitor in top international law firms and in the microchip industry.

For more details head here.

Reform UK - Rowland O'Connor

"I am not a politician or, until recently, had any desire to be in politics. However, having observed the complete and unmitigated mess that our various elected representatives and political parties have made of our once beautiful United Kingdom, I felt that I could no longer just sit on the sidelines and complain.

"I feel obliged to pay down my debt to this wonderful country and the opportunities and freedom that it has afforded me over many decades when we had a fairer, more equal society where basic human values such as respect, decency and moral integrity meant something."

For more details head here.

Green Party - Lance Symonds

Lance, 20, is the youngest General Election candidate in Cornwall. Having grown up in council housing in Bude, where he attended Budehaven Community School and Callywith College, Lance understands the challenges facing less privileged communities.

As a student representative, he played a big part in raising awareness and support for the LGBT+ community, including organising Pride events. He was also involved in fundraising for the Intercom Trust, a charity supporting people who struggle with their identity. Lance is currently studying for a degree in law. He is determined that the voices of young people are heard in this election.

For more details head here.

Heritage Party - Sarah Farrell

"I am a born and bred Cornish 'maid'. Cornwall is my home, and I cannot stand by and allow the destruction of this beautiful county without trying to do something about it. There are many pressures on our county based on false narratives driven by corporations who value their profits above all other considerations. We desperately need change and to make our county great again.

"One of our key priorities is to eliminate subsidies that discourage farmers from cultivating their land and potentially lead to farm closures. We will pay farmers to produce food, not meet climate targets.

"The Heritage Party is a party based on social conservatism. We, as the living generation, are responsible for looking after the heritage which has been passed to us from our forefathers and we have a duty to pass it on to the next generation. It is crucial that those in positions of power prioritise the well-being and prosperity of our own citizens, ensuring a thriving economy and a sense of security in our own country."

South East Cornwall

Conservative - Sheryll Murray

Born and still living in the Cornish village of Millbrook, Sheryll is defending her seat. She is a former secretary of the Looe Fishermen’s Protection Society, director of the Fishermen’s Association Ltd, chairman of a fish producer organisation and secretary of the Plymouth Sea Safety Group.

She has been a member of Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee and a member of the Fishing Industry Safety Group. In Parliament, Sheryll sits on the Panel of Chairs, which is made up of those MPs chosen by the Speaker at the start of each Parliament to chair Public Bill committees and other general committees in the House of Commons.

For more details head here.

Labour - Anna Gelderd

Anna lives on the Rame peninsula and is currently a senior adviser at a leading conservation charity. She has spent her career helping others and has worked for some of Britain’s leading charities including the RNLI.

She said: “Sadly our beautiful part of the world has been forgotten by Westminster. If elected as your MP, I will work with the next Labour Government to help people here struggling with the Conservatives' cost of living crisis, protect our local environment, reduce our NHS waiting times and help our communities take advantage of the brilliant new opportunities for jobs and growth in industries such as clean energy.”

For more details head here.

Liberal Democrats - Colin Martin

Colin has worked in Cornwall for over 18 years, firstly in the office of the late local Liberal Democrat MP Colin Breed, then for a range of local charities and social enterprises. In 2013, Colin trained as a teacher and has specialised in supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities.

n 2017, Colin was elected as the Cornwall Councilww member for Lostwithiel, overturning a huge Conservative majority to win from third place. Colin was re-elected in 2021 and is now the acting leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council. Colin has used this platform to campaign for higher pay for care workers, safety upgrades to the A38, abolition of the Tamar Tolls, and above all, bold and sustained action to tackle the climate emergency.

For more details head here.

Reform UK - Paul Wadley

The former magistrate, who ran a large neighbourhood watch scheme and was involved in two charities for the homeless, said: "I am a parish councillor with St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council where I sit on two committees: planning and human resources.

"From all those experiences I appreciate the issues that are important to residents. I take my role as a public servant seriously. I value honesty, respect and integrity and respect that all people have a right to be heard. Good listening skills is one of my attributes, another is getting things done."

For more details head here.

Green Party - Martin Corney

A councillor for St Ive parish, Martin has been its vice-chair and chair. With a background in science, he previously worked as a computer programmer and at Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth.

Martin cares deeply about the environment and about speeding the transition to a zero-carbon economy. Over the years, he has worked hard to improve life opportunities for local people in his part of Cornwall through several community projects, including a youth club, a food bank and a local food-growing project.

For more details head here.

Heritage Party - Graham Cowdry

"The political landscape in recent years has brought disillusionment and frustration to many. People are struggling to put food on the table and pay their bills. Aspirations in owning a home is becoming evermore out of reach for many. If we do not address illegal immigration, which adds a huge strain on resources and prevent giant corporations from becoming mega landlords, which remove opportunities of owning a home, these issues will only increase.

"Net zero policies threaten the livelihood of our farmers and their ability to farm. All of which will cause food shortages, pushing up prices and creating more hardship. I love my country and this county and will not stand aside whilst successive governments erode our sovereignty, freedoms, culture and mismanage our economy."

St Austell and Newquay

Conservative - Steve Double

Since Steve’s election in 2015 he has secured Government backing and funding for the £87 million new A30 link road to St Austell, and has worked with the Government to increase NHS funding across Cornwall, with a real terms increase every year, including a mental health in-patient facility for young people, £1million funding for Treliske’s A&E and £24 million for social care which will relieve pressure from delayed discharges from Treliske hospital.

He says he has also secured nearly £50 million for capital funding and protecting vital services in Cornwall such as radiotherapy and renal transport services, money for a new women and children's hospital at Treliske, and £450 million to upgrade NHS services in Cornwall.

For more details head here

Labour - Noah Law

Noah is from Lostwithiel, went to school in the constituency at Fowey. Outside of his work as a dedicated campaigner across Cornwall, Noah works for a publicly-owned investment fund for developing countries and has been responsible for investments in a range of sectors including agriculture, forestry, renewables and industrial projects.

Noah’s priorities for St Austell and Newquay are prosperity and jobs in our most promising industries, decent homes for local people, revitalised town centres, public infrastructure and services.

For more details head here.

Liberal Democrats - Joanna Kenny

"In 2000, I retired early to come home to Newquay when I was needed to be a full-time carer for my mother. It was from that time I first became involved in local politics; my love of my local beach Fistral causing me to organise and win a campaign to ensure that we had proper swimming areas for bathers. From there it was a natural progression to join the Liberal Democrats, being honoured to be elected the Mayor of Newquay in 2005.

"In the Newquay community I was a magistrate for 15 years and served on many charity committees. I have served at all levels of local government, being a founder member of Cornwall Council in 2009, and as part of the Lib Dem/Independent administrations that ran the council for 2013 to 2021."

For more details head here

Reform UK - Stephen Beal

Born in 1970 in Scotland, Stephen has called Cornwall home for over two decades, immersing himself in its rich culture and diverse communities. With over 25 years of experience as a general manager at a prominent holiday park in Cornwall, Stephen brings a wealth of leadership and management expertise to the table.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Stephen is a passionate advocate for positive change. As a spokesperson for the Reform Party in the Newquay and St Austell region, he tirelessly champions the values of transparency, accountability and fairness.

For more details head here.

Green Party - Amanda Pennington

Amanda served as a town councillor in Wadebridge from 2011 to 2021, when she became Mayor of Wadebridge until 2023. She has played a big part in many projects that have improved life in her community, including the building of a skate park for young people and the town council’s takeover of the local library service.

In 2022, she led a successful campaign to save Wadebridge Leisure Centre from closure, transferring it from private management to a Community Interest Company (CIC) run for the benefit of local people.

For more details head here.

Liberal Party - Jay Latham

Jay is a Liberal Party parish councillor and previously ran a hotel in Watergate Bay, specialising in providing safe accommodation and nourishing meals for school trips. A lifelong Liberal activist and campaigner for justice, she continues to fight for the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women and, more recently, those who suffered unfairly in the Post Office scandal.

She will push for more social care funding and a dentist in every town. Jay is also focused on highlighting damage to the marine environment and ways to create more public awareness and support for the cause. She has four grown-up children and sings with the North Coast choir and the Good Afternoon choir.

Independent - Angie Rayner

"The impact of Covid restrictions was huge on people, and the council's relentless campaign to inject children with the Covid jab confused many people. Together with other parents we put Tretherras Secondary School on legal notice which ended up in the media.

"For many years I worked and supported women and children involved with domestic violence and helped many mothers and fathers with their cases as a McKenzie friend in court. I am an advocate of the disabled and their carers. This is close to my heart having family members with learning difficulties.

"Originally a Reform UK prospective candidate and Cornwall organiser, I would not toe the party line after being requested by head office to delete my posts and comments against the Beresford hotel housing asylum seekers and the war between Ukraine and Russia. These were local issues so I felt it strange they would not allow me to support my fellow residents."

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Truro and Falmouth

Conservative - Cherilyn Mackrory

Since Cherilyn’s election in 2019, she and her team have responded to more than 38,000 pieces of correspondence and secured over £500 million in investment for the Truro and Falmouth constituency. In Parliament, Cherilyn is involved in several All-Party Parliamentary Groups, including Local Democracy, Ocean Conservation, Celtic Sea and the Great South West, placing Truro and Falmouth at the heart of national policy discussions.

Cherilyn says she has made significant progress on key infrastructure projects - including the duelling of the A30 is progressing well, work to progress the new Women and Children’s Hospital, £23.6m for the Truro Towns Deal and £50m of Levelling Up funding for the Mid-Cornwall Metro from Falmouth, via Truro to Newquay. In addition, Cherilyn has also secured a new secondary school for Perranporth, covering the Perranporth, St Agnes and St Newlyn East areas.

For more details head here. See our big interview with Cherilyn here.

Labour - Jayne Kirkham

"As a single parent in Cornwall I put my legal skills to use at Cornwall Citizens Advice and then worked as a teaching assistant at Falmouth Secondary School for seven years while my son was in school.

"I stood for Parliament for the first time in Truro and Falmouth in 2017 when we tripled the Labour vote here and made it a Conservative/Labour marginal constituency. I am now Labour group leader on Cornwall Council and also sit on Falmouth Town Council. Notable successes include proposing and pushing through Cornwall Council’s climate emergency declaration, forcing a budget amendment to provide £3.5 million for mental healthcare for our young people in schools and shaping and campaigning on housing policy, which is such a vital issue in Cornwall."

For more details head here. See our big interview with Jayne here.

Liberal Democrats - Ruth Gripper

Inspired by the example of great Cornish Liberal MPs before her, she is determined to be a voice for Cornwall in Westminster, rather than a voice for Westminster in Cornwall. Ruth has had a successful career in the charity sector, which has given her insight into many different social issues and the vital support that charities provide.

Ruth, who grew up in Perranwell Station and now lives in Falmouth, said: “When I’m out talking to people on their doorsteps, they often mention David Penhaligon and Matthew Taylor. They remember them as people who were on their side, who worked hard to represent the community and get things done. A good MP can really make a difference. That’s what we need, and that’s why I’m standing to represent people in Truro and Falmouth.”

For more details head here

Reform UK -Steven Rubidge

Steve Rubidge, a dedicated family man and passionate professional, has been a cornerstone of the Cornwall community for the past 16 years. Born in 1973, Steve has spent the last decade and a half driving trains for Great Western Railway, a job he finds both fulfilling and enjoyable.

When Steve isn't navigating the railways, he enjoys indulging in craft ales, adding to his collection of tattoos, and immersing himself in the rich sounds of jazz, funk and soul music. These hobbies reflect his appreciation for both tradition and creativity, a balance that permeates all aspects of his life.

The "incompetence and chaos" that have marked the administrations of both the Conservative and Labour parties over the past few years have left him disillusioned and frustrated.

Green Party - Karen La Borde

Karen is a former businesswoman who has served on Truro City Council since 2022, having previously been a parish councillor for several years. In both these roles, she’s worked hard to make a difference to the community by improving local facilities and fighting for the best possible deal for residents.

Passionate about the environment, Karen takes a particular interest in planning issues, and has fought to save green spaces from being overrun by developer-driven projects that fail to deliver affordable housing for local people. She was central to the campaign to get Cornwall Council to declare a climate emergency and now aims to play a full part in making sure that the transition to a zero-carbon economy happens as quickly as possible.

For more details head here.

Liberal Party - Peter White

Peter has been a member of the Liberal Party for 53 years. He was opposed to the merger with the Social Democrats, staying loyal to the Liberal Party and true Liberal values. He is a retired chartered accountant and is married to Kim, a retired special needs teacher.

As a musician, Peter has played in rock, jazz and, most importantly, Salvation Army bands all his life, reinforcing his dedication to the Liberals and all they have stood for since 1859. Peter is determined to be the voice for traditional Liberals in Truro and Falmouth in the coming General Election.

Camborne and Redruth

Conservative - Connor Donnithorne

With current Conservative MP George Eustice standing down at the next election, Connor Donnithorne hopes to replace him. Born and raised in the area, Connor and his family opened their first shop in Porthtowan in March 2020 and a second in Wadebridge in July 2022, which he now runs.

He said: "In 2021, I was proud to be elected as the Cornwall Councillor for Redruth Central, Carharrack and St Day. I secured a 35 per cent vote swing, the highest in Cornwall, to be the first Conservative ever elected in this division. I am standing to be the fresh, local voice our communities need - both here and in Parliament."

For more details head here.

Labour - Perran Moon

"I was born in Redruth and first went to Trewirgie School. My mum was an NHS nurse and my dad, Dr Charles Moon, was a GP in Camborne and Redruth for over 40 years.

"I am passionate about ensuring that, once again, Camborne, Redruth and Hayle becomes a fantastic place to be raised, work, bring up a family and retire. The Labour Party has a plan to restart our economy, create high skilled, sustainable jobs, build truly affordable housing, clean up our rivers and seas, deal with crime and anti-social behaviour and fix our NHS and social care services."

For more details head here.

Liberal Democrats - Thalia Marrington

Cornwall Councillor Thalia Marrington said: “I’m proud to have been selected by my party to help fight for change here in Camborne, Redruth and Hayle. The cost of living crisis is having a devastating effect on people's lives and on local businesses. The Lib Dems want an economy that works for everyone, where local people can afford a secure place to live, and public services are rebuilt after years of neglect."

Thalia won election to Cornwall Council in 2021, with a victory in a “safe” Conservative seat. She has has taken a lead in campaigning to tackle violence against women and girls. Before becoming a councillor, Thalia worked in education and as a professional musician, and her two teenage children were born and brought up in Cornwall.

For more details head here

Reform UK - Roger Tarrant

"I am married with two sons, a proud Cornishman born in Redruth and from a long line of Cornish farmers.

"Many of my teenage years were spent practising karate at Carn Brea Leisure Centre. I am a small business owner and for six years ran a business in Perranporth. I have a first class degree in politics and was previously SW Chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses."

For more details head here.

Green Party - Catherine Hayes

A town councillor in Hayle, Catherine is co-founder of the campaigning group First NOT Second Homes and is highly active in her local community, supporting people facing food and energy poverty. She’s well known throughout Cornwall as a tireless campaigner for affordable housing.

Catherine recently worked to set up a local food distribution project to help people who can’t afford to feed themselves and their families. She also understands the concerns of local businesses, having run one of her own, Cath’s Cornish Kitchen, producing home-made food made with local ingredients.

For more details head here.

Liberal Party - Paul Holmes

I represent the original Liberal Party of David Penhaligon, Lloyd George, William Gladstone and Jeremy Thorpe. We are ‘not’ the Liberal Democrats, who broke away from the Liberal Party in 1988.

When the Liberal Party was in Government, it passed legislation which we still enjoy today. These include the right of all men and women to vote in elections and in private. The right to be in a trade union, old age pensions, labour exchanges, council housing, allotments, the County Farms Estate, a national health service and much more. We stand for liberty, individual freedom and social justice.

We will encourage more developments for our traditional Cornish culture, especially music, dancing, language and history. The Liberal party won nearly 2,000 votes in Cornwall at the last General Election, gaining many new members.

St Ives

Conservative - Derek Thomas

Derek Thomas was first elected as the MP for the constituency of West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (St Ives) in the 2015 General Election, becoming the first Conservative MP for the area since 1997. He was re-elected as MP in 2019 with an increased majority.

During his time in parliament Derek has worked hard on behalf of the people of west Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly frequently putting forward debates such as bank holidays in 2020, the National Trust, World Health: 25-Year Environment Plan, marriage in government policy, taxes on small business, community pharmacies, fuel poverty and food security.

For more details head here.

Labour - Dr Filson Ali

"Being born in the South West of England, I’ve always had a deep connection with Cornwall. With over a decade as a doctor in local hospitals and the community. I'm committed to tackling health inequalities and mental health issues within Cornwall. Quality care should be accessible to all, regardless of background.

"As a practising GP, improving access to healthcare and dental services is a critical priority, demanding swift and efficient measures to ensure urgent access without delay. Tackling the housing crisis demands prioritising affordable and social housing, with a focus on the needs of local residents."

For more details head here.

Liberal Democrats - Andrew George

Andrew George is a renowned local and national campaigner. He was the Liberal Democrat MP for the West Cornwall and Scilly constituency of St Ives 1997-2015 and nearly won the seat back in June 2017 and in December 2019. He said he’s “not walking away”.

Andrew is chief executive of affordable housing charity Cornwall Community Land Trust and runs other research and campaign projects with the support of the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust and others. Since 2006 he has been the chair of the British Association for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures.

For more details head here.

Reform UK - Giane Mortimer

"As a dedicated Cornishman, I am deeply connected to our heritage, our country and our community. Since 1997, under both Labour and Conservative governments, we have witnessed a gradual erosion of our national identity.

"This is a concern that will impact our future generations, and it is why I have chosen to stand for Parliament, to make a difference for our beloved Cornwall. Our country needs a party that stands for truth, honesty and integrity, one with new ideas that address."

Green Party - Ian Flindall

Ian runs a small family farm near Morvah, producing quality food for the local market in ways that promote high standards of animal welfare as well as conserving and enhancing natural habitats and biodiversity. Before becoming a farmer, Ian worked in the energy world and was responsible for several major energy conservation projects for local councils and the Ministry of Defence.

Having seen the energy bills for his farm more than double recently, he is keenly aware of the need to roll out renewables much more rapidly to keep bills down at the same time as cutting carbon emissions and strengthening the UK’s energy security, and he’s had a hands-on role in installing dozens of small wind-turbines in Cornwall.

For more details head here.

Liberal - Paul Nicholson

Paul served in the Armed Forces for 26 years. In 1973 he served alongside Paddy Ashdown in Malta. After leaving military service he joined the Liberal Democrats and served as a Lib Dem councillor for four years. Paul and his wife, Amanda, have been married for 30 years and look after people with learning difficulties. They have four horses and enjoy taking part in endurance riding events.

He said: “I am standing in this election as a voice for all true Liberals in my constituency. The mainstream parties have wrecked the economy and ruined people's livelihoods. They are out of touch with ordinary people, especially in Cornwall, as we are too far away from the Westminster bubble. It's a disgrace that children in the St Ives constituency are not able to see a dentist, something we all took for granted when we were young."

Independent - Dave Laity

"I was born and bred in Marazion and spent my working life in this area of Cornwall so am familiar with the needs of the locals. I brought up a family here; now they are in their 20s. I see the struggles facing the younger generation, our workforce and our future.

"Speaking with many locals I hear them saying that things have to change to keep the youth from leaving the area simply to survive. I constantly hear people who are fed up with working hard only to see earnings vanish in taxes whilst services decline and prices soar. They report that they feel they’re living under a regime that’s oppressive and out of touch, governed from afar by rich elite with no idea of the struggles facing the local youth, businesses, farmers and trades."

John Harris - The Common People

Mr Harris is the founder and sole candidate of The Common People and last stood in 2019.

On forming a majority government, The Common People would reconfigure the Departments of State. A new Department of Energy will be established for the first time since privatization in 1994. It would establish a "Public Utility" category of business, for which it will prohibit the distribution of dividend payments.

UKIP - Jason Saunders

No information received.