MEBYON Kernow has selected local councillor Mark Smith from Kelly Bray to fight the Kelly Bray, Harrowbarrow, St Dominick and St Mellion seat at the upcoming Cornwall Council elections in May.

Cllr Smith is currently a councillor on Callington Town Council and is also the Portreeve and mayor for the town. The 52-year-old was born and raised in Gunnislake and has lived in the area all his life. As well as being a councillor since 2014, Mark owns a newsagents, which delivers to the neighbouring villages, as well as being an on call firefighter at the local station.

Talking about his selection, Cllr Smith said: “It is an honour to be selected to fight for the area that I love so much and I am looking forward to getting stuck into the campaign to give the local people a real choice in the elections.”

Cllr Andrew Long, who represents the neighbouring Callington division and has also been confirmed for the elections, said: “I am delighted that Mark has been selected to fight for the seat. He will, if elected, bring a dedication to his work as a councillor and will give the people of the various villages the representation they need at Truro — campaigning for them rather than obeying London party leaders.”

As well as fighting the two Cornwall Council seats, the duo will be joined by two other candidates, Maria Coakley and Debbi Smith, for election to Callington Town Council as the party begin to confirm candidates for the contests on Thursday, May 4.

Cllr Long added: “We are always on the lookout for more candidates and anyone who is interested in standing to campaign for Cornwall should contact the party on their website.”