Right time to move on, says outgoing party leader

The departing leader of Mebyon Kernow has said it is the "right time" for a change in leadership.

Dick Cole, who is understood to be the longest-serving leader of a political party in the UK, will stand down after 29 years in the role.

He is set to be replaced by Michael Bunney at the party's national conference in Truro, Cornwall, on Saturday.

Cole, who joined the party aged 21 in 1988 and has been involved in its leadership for much of his life, said the move was "a positive thing and good for the party".

Mebyon Kernow (MK), which translates as Sons of Cornwall in Cornish, campaigns for greater powers, protection and recognition for Cornwall.

Cole said he would continue as the group leader of the party group on Cornwall Council.

Cole has served as a councillor for 27 years, first representing St Enoder on Restormel Borough Council and then as a councillor for St Dennis and St Enoder on Cornwall Council for the last five years.

He also stood in four UK general elections but was never elected.

Cole said: "It's our 75th anniversary year so that's quite a nice symbolic time for a change.

"Michael is keen to take on the role to see what he can do to take MK forward.

"It's a good time for Michael to give it a go - I'll be there supporting him."

He said the move would "take a bit of pressure off me" and the inbox would be "slightly less stressful".

"We've got a quite a few youngsters coming through who are keen to take on more responsibilities so it just felt about the right time," he said.

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