One of Penzance’s longest serving mayors waves goodbye to civic role

One of Penzance’s longest serving mayors is looking forward to ‘digging out the surfboard and wetsuit and getting back in the water’ when he steps down from his civic role after three celebrated terms in office.

A familiar face in the community, known for his rousing off-the-cuff speeches and an infectious pride in the parish of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds will continue in his role as town councillor after he hands over the ceremonial chain of office at the 46^th Penzance Council Mayor Choosing Ceremony on Monday 18 May.

Once dubbed the ‘Sheriff of Heamoor’, Stephen became a town councillor in 2021, before being elected as Mayor in 2023. Last year, Cllr Reynolds was unanimously voted in as Mayor of Penzance for the third year in a row – the first person to do so in 60 years.

During his three terms as Mayor, the continuity of his steady leadership has helped steer the council through some challenging times for the parish, with the road to £21.5 million worth of Town Deal projects paved with some disruption. 

However, in times of change, Cllr Reynolds has also been a proponent for preservation of the parish’s vital green spaces, supporting the successful transfer of Princess May Recreation Ground to Penzance Council, and taking a Neighbourhood Plan to referendum which secures the highest degree of protection for over 80 green spaces in the local area. 

Mayor Stephen Reynolds has also been a champion of the Cornish language and Cornish identity, weaving Kernewek into every council meeting and civic event, and instigating a Cornwall-wide response from town and parish councils to reject a devolution deal that combined Cornwall with Devon.

And whilst the role of Mayor has granted Stephen an audience with Royalty and VIPs, it has always been at local community events where he has felt most at home. Whether it has been supporting volunteer days in his overalls and wellies, or leading parades of schoolchildren in the traditional ceremonial garments. 

Now, as a keen surfer ready to swap the mayoral robes for his Dry Robe, Cllr Reynolds reflected:

“My three years as Mayor have been a revelation, helping me discover and celebrate the hundreds of local people who do so much for our community in so many ways. So, massive thanks to everyone who invited me to attend their events, festivals, shows and fund-raisers – and especially to those who support the more vulnerable people in our midst.

“My fellow-councillors, and the hugely dedicated staff at Penzance Council, have been unstintingly supportive, as has my consort Jane, and my heartfelt thanks go to them. I would also like to wish every success to our incoming Mayor, in whom I have every confidence.

“Although there are challenges, it’s still a privilege to live in this amazing place we call home, and it’s been a privilege to serve as Mayor. But I’m looking forward to stepping back to my old Council roles in finance and planning … and to digging out my surfboard and wetsuit and getting back in the water!

“Meur Ras Onen Hag Oll!”

The new Mayor of Penzance will be announced following the 46^th Annual Mayor Choosing Ceremony of Penzance Council which takes place in the evening of Monday 18 May 2026.