Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he wants Cornwall Council to be controlled by the Conservatives in time for the G7 summit this summer.With local elections set to take place in May, the Prime Minister recorded a video message for Conservative councillors for the launch of their manifesto.Mr Johnson set out how he wanted to make sure that County Hall is run by the Conservatives by the time he arrives in Carbis Bay in June for the summit.The Conservative group on Cornwall Council today launched its ambitious plan "to put Cornwall’s residents first" ahead of the local elections on Thursday, May 6.

The group announced its Conservative Plan for Cornwall in an online event with council candidates, MPs and local party representatives - and with Prime Minister Boris Johnson's recorded video message.

In the video, Mr Johnson endorsed the plan, saying: “Cornwall Conservatives will spend your money wisely and support the priorities of people here.”

The manifesto, entitled ‘Taking Cornwall forward, together’, includes a six-point plan to close the council’s Brussels office, turbocharge the economy, introduce more 20mph speed limit zones, reinstate community recycling bins, prioritise housing for local people and cut delays in assessments for children with additional needs.

Mr Johnson said: “We have an outstanding team of hardworking Conservative councillors across Cornwall, led by Linda Taylor and her team who, day in and day out, represent the people’s priorities in their communities and relentlessly champion Cornwall.

“I wanted to put the call out to you today because we need more Conservatives elected in Cornwall.

“We are the largest group on the council but, as you know, the council is run by coalition of Lib Dems and others.

“To state the obvious, we want Conservative councils everywhere. But we obviously want a Conservative council by the time of the G7 in Carbis Bay in June!

“Cornwall Conservatives will spend your money wisely and support the priorities of people here.

“They will close the council’s Brussels office, saving £50,000 a year. And they have a plan for new homes which will focus on local need and affordability, while ensuring that Cornwall retains its unique and stunning beauty.

“Cornwall Conservatives have a plan to support businesses and encourage new enterprises, linked to the support they will provide for the green economy and the huge opportunities of Spaceport Cornwall and the wider UK space sector.

“And, of course, Cornish Conservatives will put our environment at the heart of all their decisions."

The Prime Minister added: “I can’t wait to be back in your part of the world soon. And let me say this loud and clear: back your local Conservatives on 6 May and let’s build back better in Cornwall.”

Cllr Linda Taylor, Conservative group leader, used the opportunity to snipe at the currently Liberal Democrat leadership at County Hall, saying: “I am proud to be presenting our Conservative Plan for Cornwall, but it’s not our plan, it’s your plan, a plan for every resident and business in this amazing place we call home. We will never forget that the money the council spends, is your money. For the last eight years, the Lib Dems and Independents have not wasted an opportunity to waste your money on their madcap schemes and vanity projects.

“Despite Brexit, the Lib Dems and their friends who run County Hall seem hellbent on having more positive relations with countries in the EU than their Government, and their agenda over the past four years has put them squarely at odds with the people of Cornwall."

Under the group’s six-point plan, the Conservatives say they will:

1. Close the council’s Brussels office – saving £50,000 every year.

2. Enable sectors like new green technology and space to flourish - "turbocharging the economy, supporting businesses and entrepreneurs".

3. Introduce more 20mph speed limit zones, where there is strong public support locally.

4. Reinstate community recycling bins, where local communities request them.

5. Prioritise housing for local people, to enable them to stay in the community they grew up in, with a focus on local need rather than large developments in the countryside.

6. Cut unacceptable delays in the assessment process for children with additional needs.By RICHARD WHITEHOUSE, Local Democracy Reporter