“Lets get this episode in context.

What has happened is that Councilor Scott Mann has resigned as deputy leader of the Conservative group on Cornwall Council.

Councilor Mann has not resigned his seat on Cornwall Council.

Quite properly in my opinion it had been agreed that no Cornwall Council funds would be put into the construction of a sports stadium at Langarth Farm.

It would appear that Councilor Robertson was working behind the scenes on a proposal that Cornwall Council finance the package with a figure of £12 to 16,000,000 mentioned which flew in the face what the groups previously agreed policy.

This does on the face of it reflect very badly on Councilor Robertsons leadership style particularly when the Cornwall Council budget is under such pressure in other more pressing areas.

When all is said and done a top class very costly stadium desireable as it may be is much less important than say adult social care or education, to starve these essentials of funds to pay for a luxury, which in reality must be financed by those who want it, is an outrage leaving one wondering if anything else has gone on that has not been disclosed.

In these circumstances it would be better for all if Councilor Robertson were to resign and clear the air.”

“I was under the impression that in a poll in West Penwith 89% rejected the Unitary Authority - probably more now! Penwith District Council were certainly nothing to write home about - I read there is an ongoing police investigation into their affairs.”

“.....''There appears to be separation from what the group are saying and what you are doing. It is my view that your leadership style is one that is not conducive to democratic decision making''...full resignation letter here....http://tinyurl.com/7vekjta

CC will have a couple of days to prepare a statement whilst some may consider their future?”

“You are quite right Olly_Gark there has been no referendum its a bit like the EU isnt it?

That said it was imposed at considerable cost and in many ways it is beginning to work because as I said in my previous post there are some excellent councillors with Cornwalls best interests at heart.

A large part of any political problem in any democracy is the individuals failure to engage with and question their appointed representatives.

Politics are a bit like death - kept safely at arms length - when something goes wrong its no use squawking after the event when the damage is done.

FOR GODS SAKE MANY PEOPLE CANT EVEN BE BOTHERED TO VOTE SO THEY GET WHAT THEY DESERVE if you put nothing into the system dont be unduly surprised when the system fails you.

On the question of Councilor Robertson he appears over ambitious autocratic and possibly vain he is probably at this very moment pondering the odds on riding out the storm, he is highly unlikely to do the honourable thing and resign.

Perhaps his party will have some input because naturally they will be judged guilty by association it would be best for all if Councillor Robertson went sooner rather than later, certainly he should not be let within 50 miles of the increasingly unsavoury Langarth Farm affair where many of us have smelt a rat from day one.”

“@ Doitdreckley

"There has never been a referendum or objective opinion poll on the unitary authority change"

In which case what is the democratic legitimacy of the system of corruption, incompetence and waste that costs us all so dearly?”

“Homerjay. You're right, of course. The wrong person has resigned.”

“Trecurnow. There has never been a referendum or objective opinion poll on the unitary authority change. The 89% figure is made up.”

“Thank God I resisted the temptation to go home when I retired
England is corrupt I admit but it seems the smugglers great grandchildren,
are much more sophisticated than their forbears”

“Outted by his own party colleague! Sounds like the tory boys are recognising the problems that were forecast when Unitary Authority status was rejected by 89% of the population.”

“This stadium project has carried a distinct whiff of decaying rodent from its inception more particularly when so obviously crucially aligned with the grant of a very contentious planning permission for 1500 houses that would form an entirely new settlement in pristine countryside.

When Cornwal Council was conceived as a unitary authority it was sincerely hoped that the governance of Cornwall would enter a new more transparent era but what have we got here?

Is it a rehash of the disastrous Whally / Ansari regime?

The current leader of the Council increasingly exhibits signs of meglomania and a propensity to attract trouble without result, exactly what Cornwalls long suffering council tax payers could do without.

This is a great pity as there are many excellent councillors fully commited to delivering the best possible outcomes for Cornwall offering genuine hope of a better future.

Instead we are embroiled in a costly unsavoury wrangle over a blighted stadium project that must be financed by private funds and that specifically excludes any financial inducements whatsoever from a developer angling for a very contentious but lucrative planning permission for mass housing in open countryside.

To even consider putting taxpayers money into this project when so many essential services are under threat is an outrage more especially when contemplated in the underhanded manner suggested in Councillor Manns letter of resignation.

If I were Councillor Robertson I would be considering my position very carefully indeed not just as leader but as a councilor period as this brewing storm has certainly torpedoed his credibility.

Councillor Mann must be roundly applauded for his principled stand which I am sure will be deeply respected by all right thinking voters.”