The leader of the Conservative group on Cornwall Council has called for an independent enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Lib Dem cabinet member Alex Folkes, saying it looks like a 'cover up'

Fiona Ferguson said  that the leader of Cornwall Council, John Pollard, gave the clear impression that Councillor Folkes' departure was a purely personal matter and not related to the Council, and refused to comment further.

However, on further questioning on Tuesday, he wrote to her and said he had been advised that he was unable to provide any details about the matter at this time and that he had instructed the chief executive, Andrew Kerr to "ensure that any matters arising out of his resignation are fully investigated and addressed as quickly as possible".

She said: "On the same day his director for education , health and social care was saying in a "Strictly Confidential" letter to un-named individuals that Councillor Folkes should not "have any access to children or young persons".

"Serious questions need to be asked about the management of this matter by the leader and his administration.

"To give the impression that a resignation is not related to the Council when it emerges that it is and then to admit that Councillor Folkes was ordered to resign looks like a cover up.

"Those now charged with conducting the proper investigation into this sorry mess will eventually have to explain themselves and their conduct.

"My difficulty is with the extraordinary manner in which the Council has handled this matter.

READ: Councillor Alex Folkes says investigation over indecent pictures of children established his innocence

"To establish the truth, I am calling for an independent enquiry into the circumstances surrounding this matter.

Mrs Ferguson is calling for the investigation to establish what circumstances caused the Council to become concerned about Cllr Folkes, which led to his resignation

As well as:

  • Who knew (or thought they knew) what and when
  • What action was taken by whom
  • Was that action appropriate in the context of the council's duties and its obligation to treat Cllr Folkes fairly.

Mrs Ferguson added: "The actions, or non-actions of those at the most senior level in Cornwall Council need to be examined. That can only be properly accomplished by an impartial independent enquiry."