Reform UK calls for emergency meeting at Cornwall Council

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

Reform UK has called for an emergency meeting at Cornwall Council after three senior officers resigned within a week.

Reform UK councillor Sean Smith has called for an emergency meeting at Cornwall Council following the resignations of chief executive Kate Kennally, chief operating and finance officer Annabel Scholes, and service director Rachael Rothero, all announced within a week.

Smith said: 'Three senior departures announced this month are cause for serious concern. We are not claiming they are linked. We want clear answers about leadership, financial safeguards and the protection of service. The Liberal Democrat and Independent administration must bring all councillors together for a full public briefing. Residents deserve to hear the facts and the questions being asked on their behalf.'

Smith wants the council to publish a 'clear report' on its full financial position. He noted that in September staff were warned of an £11 million in-year budget deficit and pointed to the council's borrowing of £1.571 billion as of March 31, 2026, placing Cornwall seventh among English councils by total debt. He said: 'We need to see the current safeguards and know that qualified officers are in place to protect public money.'

Reform UK calls for emergency meeting at Cornwall Council — Image: Falmouth Packet

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How it is being reported

Cornwall Council urged to hold emergency meeting after senior officer departuresCornwall Council faces calls for an emergency meeting after three senior officers resigned, amid scrutiny of its finances, debt and Section 114 notice risk.Falmouth Packet · 19 Oct, 16:16
Call for emergency meeting to discuss 'serious concern' at Cornwall CouncilThe move by Reform UK follows three senior resignations and questions over the council's finances. The authority's Liberal Democrat leader says it's 'not in dire straits'.CornwallLive · 19 Oct, 16:13

In this story: Sean Smith · Kate Kennally · Annabel Scholes · Rachael Rothero · Reform UK · Cornwall Council · Cornwall

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