Cornwall Council Elections on 1st May 2025

Jim Candy: Looe West, Pelynt, Lansallos and Lanteglos

In 1979 I married Marian in St Nicholas Church whilst living in West Looe. We bought a house in Looe before moving to a small Council Farm in 1986, where I diversified into contract sheep dipping. I suffered with organophosphate dip poisoning, and campaigned against the use of these chemicals, in newspapers, on TV, and in parliament.

The farm grew with the addition of more rented land, including at Hannafore, converting to organic in 2001, with an emphasis on wildlife habitat management and public access.

I joined the Parish Council in 2003, shortly afterwards I was elected to Caradon District Council, and Cornwall Council 2013-2017. In April 2024 I joined Cornwall Council after a bye election caused by the untimely passing of my friend and colleague Edwina Hannaford.

On retirement from farming, we moved to a cottage on a friends farmyard. We still help deliver Keveral Veg Boxes throughout SE Cornwall. I learned to swim when I retired and now swim in the sea all year round. For the last 3 years I have arranged a charity swim in aid of MIND, to promote the benefits of open water swimming, and encouraging people to be open about mental health.

Hilary Frank: Saltash Essa

Why do I want to continue as a Cornwall councillor? Perhaps because I enjoy translating – not just between people, but also between languages. By day, I work as a Japanese interpreter, helping people connect and understand each other. The skill is in listening closely, picking the right words, and staying calm when things get complicated. All of which turns out to be pretty handy in council meetings, too.

When I’m not interpreting, I’m often playing the piano or singing with whoever wants to join in, and believing, perhaps stubbornly, that harmony isn’t just for music. Communities thrive when people come together, whether it’s to solve problems or sing side by side.

Being a councillor isn’t about having all the answers: it’s about showing up, asking good questions, and knowing when to bring biscuits to a long meeting. I’m rooted in Saltash and proud to serve this spirited corner of Cornwall, whether that’s speaking up for residents or organising a May Fair or two. I’d love to keep doing my bit to make this place I call home stronger, kinder and more connected.

And I’ll always do my best to make sure nothing gets lost in translation.

Sarah Martin: Saltash Tamar

I have been a dedicated Saltash Town Councillor for the past seven years, a regular volunteer at community events, and Chair of Saltash Chamber of Commerce. I’m standing to make sure Saltash Tamar gets the strong representation it deserves in County Hall. This is a real opportunity for positive change.

I have taken the lead as media representative for Safe38 and Tamar Toll Action Group, and also helped lead the the campaign to save Saltash Leisure Centre. I’ve seen how local voices can make a difference when we work together. I have hands on experience of working to get real results, and will be a dedicated advocate for Saltash Tamar residents.

We’ve been let down by the Conservatives for too long, with decision-making that has failed to listen to our needs. Services have been cut back to the bone, including Adult Education, which has been ripped out of Saltash. Meanwhile, the new Labour government is talking about cheaper tolls — but their proposals fall far short of ending the financial burden crossing the bridge places on residents.

Businesses are under pressure too. Rising National Insurance costs introduced by Labour are hitting small businesses and freelancers like me hard.

Saltash Tamar need a councillor who understands those pressures and will fight for a fair deal for Saltash.

This election is your chance to choose a better way, to get Cornwall Council back on track, and to elect a strong, local champion who will stand up for residents.

With more and more people switching their support to the Liberal Democrats, now is the time to vote for change — and for someone who will put our community first.

Steve Miller: Saltash Trematon and Landrake

Steve has lived in Saltash for over 30 years, and his 2 daughters have both moved back there with their families. He has been a Saltash Town Councillor for eight years, polling the largest vote of the 9 candidates for his second term; he has been active in the community for both leisure and business activities for far longer.

He is an active member of Safe38, campaigning for improvements to the A38 through Cornwall, but sees the current proposal to install speed cameras as just a politically necessary first step in making progress towards a road that is truly "fit-for-purpose" to mitigate the issues of congestion, pollution and community separation. He is also a founder member - and interim vice-chair - of the Tamar Toll Action Group, campaigning for more sustainable funding of the Crossings and the ultimate objective of Toll abolition, with many years of experience attending Joint Committee meetings as a public participant.

Steve says "I am fortunate that my company will allow me flexible part-time working, so I’ll have much more time for my other interests - hopefully that will include representing the Saltash area in Truro."

Whatever happens nationally, local elections should be more about the person who represents the community than politics. Please make the effort to vote, as every one counts!

Adam Sturtridge: Lynher

There is a famous saying: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Adam says “It is what motivates me to be involved in politics: being leader of the Liberal Democrats in South East Cornwall, a parish councillor and on Funding Panel of the Community Area Partnership”.

Adam has served as a trustee on humanitarian charities and been a governor for two schools. He has fostered 30 children and understands some of the complex issues facing families. He cares that everyone should be treated with equality and respect. He has travelled to an African refugee camp to support people living in poverty. 

Adam has a Physics degree and has experience managing a dairy farm business. Looking after the environment and nature for future generations is one of his passions and he encourages biodiversity in his garden. 

Adam is a local man with many generations of his family having lived and worked in the area around Callington. He lives in the ancestral home with his artist wife. If elected in May, he will endeavour to serve the community with dedication and commitment.

Sarah Preece: Lostwithiel and Lanreath

For 25 years Sarah worked as a leader in arts, health and education with roles in strategy, business and finance. Sarah supported the restoration of two historic buildings and led the building of a new £30m school facility. She received an Olivier Award for her work and was Southwark Business Woman of the Year Award in 2020.

Sarah now works as a specialist in change management and facilitates creative community skills workshops. Sarah is on the board of Hall for Cornwall and Vice Chair of Lostwithiel Town Team supporting cultural, heritage and infrastructure initiatives and helping secure inward investment for the local area.

Sarah grew up in the west country and has lived in Lostwithiel, South East Cornwall, since April 2020 and is standing up to support our town, village and rural businesses, families and young people, essential health and care services and to protect our environment culture and heritage. Sarah will support the work of our voluntary groups, educators, health professionals and community leaders, work to secure the investment needed in our area and advocate on behalf of local residents at County Hall.

Sarah’s expertise and track record of hard work will make her a great champion for our Lostwithiel and Lanreath communities.
 

Thomas Thrussell: St Cleer and Menheniot

Cornwall is my home and heartland. Protecting and improving our county is core to everything I have done and aspire to do if elected.

For twenty years, my professional life has focused on community public art, strengthening our sense of place, pride in heritage, and building community connections. This helps connect everyone who calls Cornwall home, fostering that vital feeling of being rooted and connected. My experience includes creating public sculpture throughout Cornwall, the UK, and Europe through my family business.

Alongside this, my dedication extends to community action. I have served on the St Neot Parish Council for four years, working diligently to protect and enhance our natural environment on the Moor. This includes successfully securing funding to restore and protect 30 acres of vital peat mire wetland. I consistently advocate for wildlife and environmental protection. Furthermore, I firmly believe farming and nature recovery go hand in hand, recognising farmers as essential partners in caring for and restoring our countryside.

Andrew Brown: Calstock Division

Andrew is a Calstock Parish Councillor for Harrowbarrow Ward, an environmentalist, dentist, associate member of the University of Plymouth, small holder and a founder member of The B4 Project (a native honey bee CIC).

During Andrew’s serendipitous years as a dental practitioner, he has been able to channel boundless energy and enthusiasm into a wide variety of interests.

Currently Andrew’s work with Calstock Parish Council is particularly rewarding.

Andrew is proposing action to:-

1. Recover nature with, Tamar Valley AONB, National Trust Cotehele, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Westcountry Rivers Trust, including the introduction of White-tailed Eagles to the Tamar.
2. Bring South West Water to account for pollution at Calstock Quay, and the Morden stream
3. Support Harrowbarrow Community Shop and St Ann’s Skate Park.
4. Support Calstock Arts Environment series.
5. Open and restore the public footpath from Metherell to Newton.
6. Open the viaduct from Calstock to the Bere Peninsula intermittently as foot and bicycle access as well as train access.
7. Open the railway track from Bere Alston to Tavistock as a bicycle track.
8. Remove the toll from the Tamar bridge.
9. Improve roads, schools, food action, NHS, Ukraine and more.

Billy Doidge: Callington and St Dominic

Billy has lived in the town of Callington for his whole life. He says “I want to stand for real change in the community, whilst serving in the best interests of the people of Cornwall”. 

Currently, he works for The Cornwall Bakery but, previously, his background has been in customer service. His interests range from vintage vehicles to the law and he is never afraid of a new challenge. He is a team player and has served in a variety of positions, such as being a Student Councillor, Scout and Volunteer Police Cadet. As a young person, he will bring a modern perspective to his role  and hopes that this will help him stand out from other, more traditional candidates.

Billy also adds “I am empathetic, and I make it my duty to understand the concerns of others, and to not just understand why they feel a certain way, but also to act to improve any given situation. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope that we can work together to build a better future!”

Naomi Taylor: Liskeard Central

Naomi has lived in South East Cornwall all her life. She has 2 sons who are 14 and 17 and is currently a mature student studying towards a BSc (Hons) degree in Business management. She has been a Town councillor since 2017 and takes a keen interest in local planning, Naomi has a strong focus on sustainability and green infrastructure and the role it plays in communities. Naomi also founded the youth council in Liskeard which works in partnership with Young People Cornwall to ensure young people have an input into the decision-making process of the Town council.

She is a founding member of Read Easy Cornwall who promote literacy in adults unable to read and is a member of Liskeard and Looe ladies' circle. In her spare time, Naomi is actively involved with Liskeard and Looe rugby club and likes visiting the Cornish coastline as much as possible.

Bonnie Soanes: Liskeard South and Dobwalls

Bonnie Soanes is a 68-year-old running for the Liberal Democrats in the Cornwall Council elections. Educated in Cornwall, Bonnie has always felt a strong connection to the area, enjoying visits to its many towns and villages. After a 28-year career in the civil service, he’s now retired but eager to bring his years of experience in public service to the local council.

Bonnie has been active in Cornwall, helping out with various groups, including his work with Lawrence House Museum, where he’s been involved in preserving Cornwall’s history. 

He also has a solid military background, with 3 years of service in the Royal Navy Auxiliary Service and 17 years in the Royal Observer Corps, which gave him a deep sense of duty and community.

With a strong connection to Cornwall, a wealth of experience, and a passion for local life, Bonnie is dedicated to making a positive impact on Liskeard South & Dobwalls. He’s ready to use his skills and knowledge to serve the community in a way that benefits everyone.

Richard Matthews: Torpoint Division

Richard Matthews is originally from Northampton but now permanently residing in Cornwall. A retired engineer who has worked at the Water Industry's Research Centre prior to privatisation, mainly in support of research and design of sewage treatment. He then went to work in the family fabrication business for a few years before becoming self employed setting up a website business.

He has previous experience in local government having been a borough councillor for 12 years, followed by a parish councillor for a further 11 years.

He has an interest in combating climate change and taking care of the local environment. He is highly critical of the water industry since privatisation, with ever increasing discharges of sewage, which is having a devastating impact on the environment.

He recently moved to Cornwall, to be closer to family, but has in the past often spent time here pursuing his interest in walking with his wife and later camping holidays with his 2 children. He is a keen Rugby fan and keeps fit with regular swims.

Marian Candy: Rame Peninsula and St Germans

In 1962 my parents bought Penrose, West Looe Hill, but, as they were working for the Foreign Office, I only spent a few terms at West Looe Primary, mainly attending schools abroad. I spent holidays in Looe when my parents were in the country, attending boarding school until I went to Drama College, in Bristol, where I met Jim, whom I married in St Nicholas Church, West Looe, in 1979.

We moved to a rented farm near Downderry in 1986, where we brought up our four sons who all went to school in the village, then Torpoint. I helped on the farm, harvesting vegetables, lambing and calving, then working part time in care until we retired in 2018 when we moved to a rented cottage on a farm near Trerulefoot.

Drama is still my main hobby, having helped with a young drama group as well as treading the boards regularly in pantos and short plays, and going to the theatre. I enjoyed helping at the annual Music Around Deviock community music event which we hosted on the farm. Since retirement, I support my local community coffee mornings, bingo and breakfasts, when not spending time with our 4 sons and 2 granddaughters.

Joseph Hutty: Looe East and Deviock

Joseph Hutty is born and raised and works in Cornwall, he is a graphic designer. 

He is passionate about sustainable rural living. Like many young people he has found it increasingly difficult to find affordable housing as well as job opportunities that mean he doesn’t have to leave the county he loves. 

Outside of politics he enjoys reenactment, camping, and tabletop games.