Tory majority down to one after councillor quits

John Conway represents the division of Launceston South on the council

The Conservatives have been left with a reduced majority on Cornwall Council after a councillor resigned from the party.

John Conway, who represents Launceston South on the council, resigned following a disciplinary meeting.

Mr Conway said he would ensure Launceston "continues to get at least its share of any cake".

The resignation means the Tory majority on the council is down to one - holding 44 of the 87 seats.

They can still rely upon both independent councillors aligned to the party, as well as non-aligned members, to win votes at County Hall.

Council leader Linda Taylor said she was disappointed by Mr Conway's resignation

Mr Conway said after his resignation he would "continue to support resolutions which benefit Launceston".

"I also refused to keep my residents in the dark and would keep them informed of relevant information via the press and other means," he said.

"The people of Launceston deserve to know what is happening and, as your Cornwall councillor, I will continue to work to ensure that Launceston continues to get at least its share of any cake."

Councillor Linda Taylor, leader of the council, said she was disappointed Mr Conway's "values no longer align with the Conservative Group, and that he has chosen to leave".

"It will be for the people of his division, who elected him as a Conservative under our Cornwall Conservative Manifesto, to judge him accordingly come the next local election," she said.

The Conservatives won 47 of the 87 seats to take control of the council in 2021.

The next full council elections are due to take place in May 2025.