With the General Election count due to take place on Flora Day, May 8, Helston's MP has had to ask for special permission to dodge the vote count so he can play his normal role in the town's big day.

Andrew George has always taken part in Flora Day celebrations, playing St Piran in the morning Hal an Tow pageant and, as local MP, traditionally takes part in the Midday Dance commencing from the Corn Exchange at 12 noon.

Traditionally, the count for the St Ives constituency, which covers the whole of West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly including Helston and the Lizard, does not commence until after the Isles of Scilly boxes are brought over the following day. 

That means as the count will commence as soon as practicable on the morning of Friday, May 8, and Mr George has had to write to the general election returning officer to ask advice on when he would need to attend the count due to take place at Carn Brea on the same day as Flora Day.

Mr George said: “Of course it would be discourteous not to attend the count and to thank all of the staff who will have been working many hours to complete work which is necessary across a number of constituencies.

"But timing could be crucial. If it is possible to fulfil part or all of my traditional commitments on Helston Flora Day that would be wonderful. I’ve never missed Flora Day and it would be upsetting to do so.”