Cornwall Council - 20 May 2025

The meeting began with a prayer led by Reverend Mary Cruddas of All Saints Church, Highertown. Councillor Rich moved, and Councillor Batters seconded, that Councillor Nolan be elected Chairman of the Council. After a representation outlining his experience and vision, the Council voted to elect Councillor Nolan, who signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and was invested with the Chain of Office. A subsequent motion, moved by Councillor Martin and seconded by Councillor Ball, resulted in the election of Councillor J Thomas as Vice‑Chairman, with the same procedural steps taken.

The Council next elected its Leader. Councillor Paynter moved, and Councillor Marrington seconded, that Councillor Frost be appointed Leader of the Council. Councillor Frost presented his background and objectives, and the motion was carried. He confirmed that Cabinet appointments and portfolio allocations would be announced within the constitutionally required timescales and indicated he would consider reinstating the Informal Investment Panel. The Council also approved the establishment of twenty‑three standing committees—including the Appeals Committee, Audit Committee, and various planning, health, and statutory committees—by a motion moved by Councillor Frost and seconded by Councillor Paynter. Allocation of committee seats, as detailed in Appendix 1, was approved on a motion moved by Councillor Cole and seconded by Councillor Donnithorne. The programme of ordinary meetings for the next twelve months was set, covering dates from 22 July 2025 to 21 April 2026.

A significant amendment to the Code of Conduct for Members was proposed. Councillor Jenkin moved, with seconding by Councillor Moorcroft, to add clauses (2.XX, 2.XY, 2.XZ, and 2.YY) that make failure to complete mandatory training for at least one calendar month a breach of the Code, while also outlining permissible exemptions and the process for reporting such breaches. The amendment was intended to take immediate effect.

During the subsequent debate, Councillor Tudor moved, and Councillor McKenna seconded, that the matter of mandatory training be referred back to the Standards Committee for further consideration. Members raised several points: some argued that certain training elements should remain voluntary; others emphasized that members should be held to the same training standards as other workplace staff; additional comments highlighted that completing training demonstrated openness and a willingness to learn. The Council ultimately agreed to refer the issue back to the Standards Committee, postponing a final decision on the amendment.