Councillor stepping down to take on spaceport role

A Cornwall councillor is stepping down after being appointed head of future air and space at Cornwall Airport Newquay.

Cornwall Council said Louis Gardner had spent three years as portfolio holder for the economy but would step down on Friday.

Gardner said he was "eager to contribute to the growth of this exciting industry", adding it was a "thrilling" time for Cornwall.

Neil Edmond, chief executive of airport operator Corserv Solutions, said he was "excited to have him on board".

The airport said Gardner would be "instrumental in driving forward the commercial development of Spaceport Cornwall".

Gardner added: "I am incredibly excited to take on the role.

"This opportunity allows me to be at the forefront of innovation in aviation and space exploration, helping to shape the future of the sector in Cornwall."

Mr Edmond said the councillor's experience would be "invaluable" as Spaceport Cornwall developed into a "commercially sustainable and thriving enterprise".

Cornwall Council said the portfolio would be covered by councillor Linda Taylor, who said: "I am sorry to see Louis step down, he has been a tireless champion for the business community in Cornwall since he took on the role in 2022.

"With just a few weeks left until the election I have decided to oversee the portfolio until then and will ensure we continue to work every day to build the thriving, sustainable Cornwall we all want."

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