CORNISH nationalist party Mebyon Kernow will contest seats at the next General Election.

The decision was among those taken at the party’s annual conference in Bodmin at the weekend.

Cllr Michael Bunney led tributes to Dick Cole who was celebrating 20 years as the party’s leader.

Addressing the conference Cllr Bunney said: ‘Dick is a rock for Cornwall, speaking up proudly, calmly and with passion and reason at all times. Dick is the most trustworthy politician I have worked with and such a contrast to the manipulative politicians we see at Westminster.’

There was a heartfelt standing ovation and Cllr Cole was presented with a cake (baked by MK member Julie Fox) to mark the occasion.

In a wide-ranging speech, Cllr Cole set out key campaigning priorities for the months ahead.  

He told delegates: ‘Westminster political parties do not have the best interests of Cornwall foremost in their thinking.

‘Just look at the recent General Election. In the Conservative and Labour manifestos there was not one mention of Cornwall in either document.

‘It shows how local members of the Westminster parties have failed to influence their leaders in any meaningful way. And it is disturbing how these parties are not even paying lip service to Cornwall’s distinctive needs.

‘This really does demonstrate why we need Mebyon Kernow to be a strong and effective champion for Cornwall.’