After the resignations of Councillor John Langan and Councillor Paul Jordan, a by-election was called to fill the two vacancies in the Penryn Town Council. 

The election will take place on the 30th of March, polling stations will be open from 7 am until 10 pm. 

There are three designated polling stations; Penryn Athletic Social club, Kernick Road. The Temperance Hall, Lower Market Street. Highway Community Centre, Church Road. 

During this Election of Town Councillors for Penryn Town Council - Penryn Ward, there are five candidates, two Green, two Labour, and one independent community member. Only two can be elected. 

You can hear a bit about each of your candidates below. 

Independent: 

Sue Wright 

Sue Wright

"Hi, my name is Sue and I am running for a seat on the Penryn town council. I am an independent candidate with no political background but I do have a voice that I can use for you.  

"As a child growing up, myself and my four sisters spent most of our weekends visiting Penryn with great families who became our lifelong friends. After moving to Penryn in Dec 2007, I became aware of how vast this town is.

"I have been on the events committee since June 2022 and have shared ideas and helped with as many events in the town as possible. 

"I would like to extend my help to other needs of Penryn which is why I am running for council. I have my own views and opinions that I will speak up on and never conform to the opposite majority without proper debate. I know this town has parking issues which are getting worse, so I will try and help the council in making that better. I'm sure there are others on the council who feel the same too. I would also like to create places and activities for younger people, so they have something to do during the school breaks.   

"I hope to see whoever wins the seats, do all that they can for this town, I know I will."

Labour: 

Clare Tavernor 

Clare Tavernor

"My name is Clare and I've lived on St Thomas Street in Penryn for five years. I'm very proud of our local community and I would like to help make Penryn a fairer, greener place to live, which is why I'm standing on March 30th as a Labour candidate for Penryn Town Council. 

"I'm a documentary filmmaker, volunteer driver for Age UK and I'm also officially Cornwall's 4th strongest woman!  I would like to be an equally strong voice for Penryn and I will work hard to support those that need our help the most. My priorities are to support investment in housing, helping residents make their homes warmer and greener, and protect the woodlands and green spaces that make Penryn such a special place to live."

Tom Mainwaring Evans 

Tom Mainwaring Evans

"I'm Tom. A vote for me would be a vote for energetic and enthusiastic representation on our council. Putting it simply I love where I live and I want to be able to make a positive impact on our community. I am committed to seeing the green spaces we cherish in Penryn protected, I am committed to seeing support for our high street and businesses enhanced and I'm committed to finding new ways to empower our town and its residents. 

"As a Chartered Environmentalist, I know what challenges we are facing. I want to be a voice for sustainability in our town. Championing a greener and more prosperous future. "

Green Party: 

Owen Davies 

Owen Davies

"Hi, I'm Owen, I was born near Helston but have had many friends and family based in Penryn throughout my life and have now lived here for over a year. I work at the university in a student support role through a charity-funded project and have also worked with a charity helping young people get into work. 

"I'm really excited about the chance to represent the people of Penryn; I would work hard and always listen to people. I know some people feel ignored, but I will make sure that all local people are heard. It would also be a great opportunity to support Tamsyn Widdon the Green Party Cornwall Councillor for Penryn."

Katie Orchel 

Katie Orchel

"Hi, I'm Dr. Katie Orchel a Lecturer at the Centre for Geography and Environmental Sciences on the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus. I have lived in Penryn on three occasions since moving to Cornwall in 2018 and have now made it my permanent home. 

"I love the history of Penryn and the vibrant community here and want to ensure all people feel represented both generations old 'Ryners and new folk who have chosen to make this their home. During the pandemic, I lived in St Austell where I became the mayor's consort for a year. Undertaking many local civic duties, inspired me to get involved in local politics."

You can find more information about your local election here: Election – Penryn Ward | Penryn Town Council.