The party that 'changed the political dynamic'

2 days ago

Seb NobleCornwall political reporter

News image — Dick Cole has been the leader of Mebyon Kernow for the past 28 years

BBC Dick Cole has grey grey hair and wears a grey jacket and black and white checked shirt. He stands inside the Cornwall Council chamber with seats and the Union and Cornish flags behind him. — Dick Cole has been the leader of Mebyon Kernow for the past 28 years

A political party, celebrating its 75th anniversary, said it was optimistic its vision for an assembly for Cornwall could become a reality in future.

Mebyon Kernow, which translates as Sons of Cornwall in Cornish, has marked the anniversary of its establishment on 6 January 1951.

It said its campaign for greater powers, protection, and recognition for Cornwall would continue - with the ultimate aim of securing parity with Wales and Scotland.

The party currently holds three seats on Cornwall Council and has previously contested general and European elections - without securing national representation.

Councillor Dick Cole, leader of Meybon Kernow (MK) for the last 28 years, said he was proud of their persistence over the past seven decades.

"We have, I believe, changed the political dynamic in Cornwall quite often. We've kept up the pressure.

"Last year, we united almost all groups on this authority to campaign for fifth nation status for Cornwall. So the groundwork MK has done has been really phenomenal."

The inside of a magazine showing off various black and white pictures of notable Mebyon Kernow campaign adverts and photos of prominent party figures. — Mebyon Kernow has contested local, general, and European elections over the past seven decades

The party was formed at the Oates Temperance Hotel in Redruth during a meeting of 13 people - including the parents of MK's current deputy leader, councillor Loveday Jenkin.

She insisted that, despite not enjoying political control, it had been successful on some of the issues first championed.

"Some of Mebyon Kernow's campaigns have made a huge difference. We are a recognised national minority, Cornish language is on a par with Welsh and Scots Gaelic, getting a university for Cornwall," Jenkin said.

"Creating those ideas and ensuring people take them forward shouldn't be underestimated."

Loveday has short white hair and glasses and wears a light grey checked jacked and black top. She stands in front of a walkway and windows at County Hall. — Loveday Jenkin said the party had been successful - despite not having control of any councils

Both were optimistic about their fight for an assembly for Cornwall - and pointed to the current political narrative of the government looking to devolve power.

Cole remarked: "I think there's a growing consensus Cornwall needs to be able to decide its own future.

"I really do believe if we just keep pushing and everyone stands behind that it could happen because it needs to happen."

Jenkin agreed: "I always think we're 20 years behind Wales. There's no reason why in 25 years time we shouldn't be celebrating the opening of a Cornish Senedd."