Shock motion filed against Cornwall Council leader

Linda Taylor, Conservative leader of Cornwall Council, has been shortlisted for council leader of the year award
-Credit: (Image: Copyright Unknown)


A motion calling for a vote of no confidence in Cornwall Council's Conservative leader Linda Taylor has been submitted to the local authority by a Tory rebel today (Monday, September 30). Signatures are now being collected among councillors of all political parties to support the vote.

The move was made by John Conway, councillor for Launceston South, who until July represented the Conservative Party. He resigned after calling his boss, Cllr Taylor, a "dictator". He said Cllr Taylor removed him from taking part in an economic growth and development overview and scrutiny committee meeting because he disagreed with former MP Steve Double's wife becoming its chairman.

Cllr Conway is now leader of the council's non-aligned group, which also includes other councillors who have resigned from the ruling Tory group. His call for a vote of no confidence was seconded by Independent councillor and former leader of Cornwall Council, Julian German.

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Commenting on his submission, Cllr Conway said the council's controversial decision to find a private company to run Newquay airport and develop its 650 acres of land, owned by Cornwall Council, was the "main reason" for the move against Linda Taylor. An initial lack of consultation over the deal was criticised by opposition councillors as well as Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking previously, Cllr Taylor denied being a 'dictator'. "I'm really disappointed at being called a dictator," she said.

"I consider myself to be a very collaborative worker and always work very hard with the group to make sure we get the best results. I don't recognise myself as being a dictator."

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In order for the vote to take place it needs the support of 29 other councillors, which Cllr Conway believes it will get. We have contacted Cllr Taylor by phone and email to get her reaction to the news, but as yet have not received a reply.