THE leader of Mebyon Kernow, the political party that campaigns for Cornish nationalism and self-government, is standing down after near three decades.

Cornwall councillor Dick Cole who was elected leader of the party in 1997 will step down at the party’s conference in Truro on October 24.

Cllr Cole, who represents the St Enoder and St Dennis division on the council, said: “When I joined Mebyon Kernow as a 21-year-old in 1988, I did not envisage the degree to which politics, council work and serving my local community, would dominate my adult life, or that I would end up as the longest-serving leader of a political party in the UK.

“At this time, I would like to thank all the party activists who have worked with me during my 29 years at the helm of Mebyon Kernow. I am extremely proud to have been able to play my part in making the case for greater self-government for Cornwall and a much better deal for communities to the west of the Tamar. Obviously, this work continues and I will still be at the heart of Mebyon Kernow, campaigning for Cornwall and serving as the group leader of the Mebyon Kernow group on the unitary authority.”

Mebyon Kernow leader Cllr Dick Cole with Oscar Peters, chairman of youth branch Kernow Rydh
Mebyon Kernow leader Cllr Dick Cole with Oscar Peters, chairman of youth branch Kernow Rydh, at a previous conference. (Picture; Mebyon Kernow/Cathal Walker)

Former Cornwall councillor Michael Bunney, who represented the St Mewan and Grampound division, will become the new leader of the party which was formed in the 1950s.

Cllr Cole said: “I was pleased to be able to nominate my good friend Michael Bunney to serve as the 11th leader of Mebyon Kernow. He is a formidable and hardworking champion for Cornwall. I am confident that he will do a fantastic job and I look forward to supporting him in his new role.”

Mr Bunney said: “Dick has been an incredible leader of Mebyon Kernow for nearly three decades. His service to Cornwall has been unparalleled in his generation and he has always combined political focus with a real honest approach to looking after our communities. Dick cares intensely about Cornwall and has also served as a councillor with incredible dedication.

Cllr Dick Cole giving a victory speech at the last Cornwall Council election. (Picture: Warren Wilkins) ( )

“I am delighted that he is continuing as the leader of the Mebyon Kernow group on Cornwall Council. Dick’s intelligence and passion for Cornwall is needed now more than ever.

“It is an honour to take over from Dick as the leader of Mebyon Kernow and I was delighted that he nominated me. I have learnt so much from him and I will continue his good work for Cornwall. Dick was the person who inspired me to join Mebyon Kernow and we all owe him a huge amount of gratitude for his dedication to Cornwall.”

Mr Bunney taught history in Devon and Dorset before returning to Cornwall to teach at Treviglas School in Newquay and serve as the deputy head of the Restormel Academy in St Austell. He is presently working for Gorsedh Kernow.

The conference will mark Mebyon Kernow’s 75th anniversary year and will include an address by Lindsay Whittle, a Plaid Cymru member of the Welsh Parliament.