After almost 16 years a former mayor and Cornwall councillor across three terms of office is stepping down from local politics.

Andrew Wallis first joined Porthleven Town Council and Kerrier District Council, before being elected to Cornwall Council in 2009 when it became a unitary authority.

He won his seat as an Independent after polling 31.5% of the votes and beating the next closest candidate, Dick Powell, by just 17 votes.

Andrew went on to keep the seat for three consecutive terms of office, as councillor for the Porthleven and Helston South division for the last 12 years.

Now, with another period of change at the council, as the number of seats drops from 123 to 87, his division is being split – into Porthleven, Breage & Germoe, and Helston South & Meneage, with the town only having two seats now (Helston North being the other).

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Andrew, however, will not be standing for either of them, as he has announced he is stepping down from local politics altogether and not seeking re-election for either the town or Cornwall Council.

He said: "It has been a privilege to hold these positions. One of my greatest honours was to be the mayor of Porthleven.

"It hasn’t been a easy decision, but it is time to step down. The reasons are many, but it is time for me – although who knows, I might do it again!"

He said a lot had changed since he first stood for office, adding: "There have been many achievements, and some things that haven’t gone quite to plan, but this is the role of a councillor.

"Carrying out this role, you do not seek praise. In fact it is rare for people to even say thank you. I guess it is easier to moan. However, the fact you are doing all you can to help people is reward enough.

"No doubt there be one or two people doing a jig that I am not standing for re-election. I have probably been a bit of a pain to them, however it was never personal, it was doing what is right for the community as a whole. In this role, you can never please everyone!"

Andrew has been in local politics for nearly 16 years

Andrew has been in local politics for nearly 16 years

Andrew estimates that during his time on both councils he has helped bring more than £600,000 to the area in funding and grants.

Last night, reflecting on the last 16 years, I did a rough calculation on the amount of funding/grants I have brought in to the town, it totals over £600k.

He has seen assets transferred from Cornwall Council to the town council to run and protect for the future, and was involved in Helston's Coronation Park being passed into the management of the South Kerrier Alliance.

With highway safety always being an important issue to him, he said he was pleased he could oversee the reduction of the speed limit on the Porthleven Road to 40mph.

"To the people I have met and worked with: many people do not have a high regard for Cornwall Council, however, you should be very proud of those who work there. For 12 years I have seen the dedication of those officers working with ever decreasing budgets to provide services. They are a huge credit to Cornwall," he said, adding special thanks to Porthleven town clerk Corrie Thompson and the past and present town wardens, Rod and Carol.

Andrew concluded: "Lastly, I want to say thank you to the people who put faith in me and voted for me. Until you actually stand for election, you cannot understand the pride and honour when people put a X in the box for you. It is a very humbling experience."