THE results of the referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union are in, sparking a new era for the country.

In Cornwall, 323,442 ballot papers were counted and of those, 140,540 voted in favour of remaining a member of the European Union — 182,665 voted to leave.

There were 237 ballot papers rejected for various reasons. Of those ballet papers that were unable to be counted, 71 had both answers voted for and a further 166 were unmarked or void for uncertainty.

The overall result meant that Cornwall voted to leave the EU.

North Cornwall MP Scott Mann (Cons), supporter of the Leave campaign, said of the EU Referendum result: “I’m delighted by last Thursday’s result. After over 40 years of debate and much campaigning in the past few months, the British people have finally had their say and voted decisively to take back control of their country.

“Now, we must remain calm and let the dust settle after this momentous decision. With huge constitutional decisions like this comes uncertainty, but over the coming days and weeks, we will learn more about how we can negotiate our exit from the EU and take back our independence.”

Of the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron, he added: “I am, however, saddened to see David Cameron announce his resignation as Prime Minister. He has been a strong and courageous leader for the Conservative Party and for this country. It was seeing the Prime Minister speaking at Tory Party Conference that got me into politics and subsequently into this job of representing North Cornwall in Westminster.

“I was a signatory of the letter asking him to stay, because I believe he could continue to be a strong leader as we negotiate our exit from the European Union. However, I respect his decision to eventually stand down and I hope over the next few months we will continue to witness him and his Government deliver manifesto pledges that we promised to the British people at the General Election.”

l JUNE 23’s referendum results in the Torridge District on the UK’s membership of the European Union were collated, with the majority voting ‘Leave’.

‘Remain’ received 16,229 votes, just 39.2% of the vote, while ‘Leave’ received 25,200 votes, equating to 60.8% of the vote.

Torridge’s electorate is 52,881; there was a turnout of 41,461, 78.4% of the population with only 33 rejected ballots.

Fellow Leave campaigner Geoffrey Cox, MP for Torridge and West Devon (Cons), has also shown his support for the public’s decision.

He said: “The announcement of the decision of the electorate presents our country with a great opportunity and our government with a great challenge to propose a new and better relationship with the EU and to reinvigorate our democratic institutions. I shall work with my colleagues of all parties to ensure that happens.

“We can and must look forward to the future with hope and confidence in fulfilling the wishes of the British people.”

However, Barry Parsons, county councillor for Holsworthy Rural (Cons), has expressed sadness over the referendum result, he said: “Lancing this boil has proven hugely divisive, individually and between nations; indeed, even between countries within the UK.

“Like many others I am greatly saddened. But, I have always said that we are stronger together.

“Politics at Westminster now needs to reflect what is best for our country and not what is best for individual political parties/individual MPs.

“With our PM insistent on stepping aside the priority has to be for him to be replaced. Great leadership is reflected in its people and we need to see this sooner, not later.