Cornish Coastline
Independent Non-Aligned

Grounded in Granite.
Focused on Horizon.

CING is not a political party. We are a group of independent councillors dedicated to serving Cornwall's communities, free from party whips and national agendas.

Our Story

The Cornish Independent NonAligned Group (CING) is a group of independent councillors serving on Cornwall Council. We are not a political party. We have no manifesto imposed from Westminster, no central office directing our votes, and no party donors to answer to. Each of our members was elected on their own merits by the communities they represent, and it is to those communities alone that they owe their allegiance.

Our nonaligned philosophy is straightforward: every motion, every amendment, and every budget line should be judged on its own merits. Our councillors are free to vote according to their conscience and the needs of their constituents, without the constraint of a party whip. This means that when a proposal is good for Cornwall, we will support it — regardless of which group brings it forward. Equally, when a proposal falls short, we will say so plainly and work to improve it.

This independence matters because Cornwall faces challenges that are distinct from the rest of England. Housing affordability, seasonal economic pressures, rural connectivity, and the protection of our natural environment all demand solutions shaped by local knowledge rather than national party strategy. CING exists to ensure that these Cornish priorities are heard clearly in the council chamber and that the administration is held to account by councillors whose only interest is the wellbeing of the communities they serve.

Within Cornwall Council, CING operates as a recognised group, which means our members have access to briefings, committee places, and speaking rights proportionate to our size. We meet regularly to share information, coordinate scrutiny work, and identify areas where we can make the greatest difference — but we never instruct one another how to vote. Our strength lies in the diversity of experience and perspective that our members bring, united by a shared commitment to honest, transparent, and community-focused local governance.

Cornish Heritage

Our Mission

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Accountability

Holding Cornwall Council to account through rigorous scrutiny, transparency, and independent oversight.

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Stewardship

Protecting Cornwall's environment, from coastal waters to granite moors, for future generations.

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Community

Putting Cornwall's communities first — housing, transport, local economy — free from party politics.

KERNOW

The Team

Independent councillors serving communities across Cornwall, united by a commitment to local accountability.

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Rowland O'Connor

Rowland O'Connor

Group Leader

Anna Thomason-Kenyon

Anna Thomason-Kenyon

Deputy Leader

Karen Knight

Karen Knight

Member

Join our mission.

We are always looking for independent voices who want to serve their community on Cornwall Council.

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