Former Caradon council leader joins rival party
Tony Powell joins the Tories having spent the past year as an independent.
Up until September 2007 he had been a Liberal Democrat, serving as the party's leader on the district council – but he resigned over its stance on the new Cornwall unitary authority.
He said: "Twelve months ago when I resigned from the Liberal Democrat party it was for one reason only. That was the clear indication that whatever representation we made at district council level to support the 82% of the electorate who voted no to the proposed unitary authority it would be ignored.
"Although I am not opposed to a unitary authority in principle there were other options involving closer working ties between the districts which would have given South East Cornwall a stronger voice, provided a buffer against the dominance of the Truro-Redruth-Camborne enclave, and ensured proper representation for ourselves and a real say in the distribution of investment funding to Cornwall.
"Over the last year I have watched the progress towards One Cornwall with despair.
"The lack of information for either district or town councils to make informed judgements is nothing short of scandalous.
"To be so far into the process without a decision on the number of councillors is farcical.
"It compromises the proposed governance arrangements and provides little comfort to the electorate that they are governed by a competent authority.
"The new council will require strong councillors who are prepared to speak out and put Liskeard and South East Cornwall at the top of their agenda."
Leader of the Conservative group on Caradon, Cllr Brian Galipeau, said he was "delighted" to welcome Tony to the party.
He said: "I have always been impressed by Tony's outspoken manner and willingness to fight for what he believes to be right, and welcome his strengths and energy to the Caradon Conservative group.
"Tony brings a further boost to our Liskeard campaign team."
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