‘Politicians are like nappies, they need to be changed often and for the same reason’

So the people have spoken, and the long awaited clear out at County Hall is underway.

To all those that voted, your pal the Skipper tips his hat in thanks. T

he big story of the election was the fall in the number of Tory councillors, although with UKIP on the rise the right’s share of the vote certainly has not tumbled as far as those on the left would hope.

How they will reconcile their anti Europe views with the fact that Cornwall is awash with funny money from the EU is yet to be seen, but hey, politicians tying themselves in knots to maintain dubious political positions is nothing new.

In Helston the big surprise was the fall from grace of former leader Alec Robertson. Perhaps going to show that the privatisation fiasco and other problems at the authority had damaged his reputation a step to far.

In Falmouth the failure of Steve Eva to be re-elected was a surprise, however standing in a new division and a strong showing by Ukip and new councillor Alan Jewell put paid to his plans.

The loss of Grenville Chappel will be sorely felt, as he truly was a stalwart representative for the people in his area. The election of former MP Candy Atherton will also see quite an experienced political force representing Falmouth at County Hall.

To all new councillors the Skipper offers a warm welcome, and a warning, I may have only one eye, but it is keenly trained on you all.

I will leave you with a quote from Mark Twain, who said that politicians are like nappies because, “they need to be changed often, and for the same reason”.