THE Liberal Democrats at Caradon District Council were thrown into further turmoil this week after one of their councillors quit – the third in the last 12 months. Cllr Glenn Renshaw, who represents the people of Saltash Essa Ward on the council, announced that he had resigned from the Liberal Democrats and also from the Liberal Democrat group on the council, on Tuesday. Speaking about his resignation, cllr Renshaw said: 'My decision has come after months of soul-searching. When I joined the Liberal Democrats and stood for Caradon District Council, I thought the party was the right one to fight for the people of South East Cornwall. 'Since then, time and time again, the party has shown itself to be out of touch with the population, and more interested in toeing the "party" line than working for Cornwall. 'During this time, there has been little communication between the leadership and the remaining councillors, leading to a very poor state of affairs. 'It is my intention to continue to sit on the various panels to which I have been elected and to work there for the people of Saltash Essa ward and the district as a whole.' The resignation of cllr Renshaw from the Liberal Democrat party is the third since May last year, with Tony Powell, Liskeard North, and Russell Bartlett, Calstock, also leaving. Cllr Renshaw has also announced that he has chosen to join Mebyon Kernow and will sit alongside MK councillor Andrew Long in the council chamber. Commenting on cllr Renshaw's decision, cllr Long said: 'There is considerable political upheaval in Cornwall at the present time due to the decision of Liberal Democrats at County Hall to push for a unitary council which could cause real damage to South East Cornwall. 'Our area needs strong councillors who are willing to stand up for Cornwall and that is why I am delighted that Glenn has chosen to join Mebyon Kernow and I look forward to working with him to win a better deal for the Caradon area.' Cllr Jim Candy, chair of the Liberal Democrats on the district council said: 'I am surprised and disappointed to hear that Glenn Renshaw has resigned from the Liberal Democrats but respect his decision.'
