NORTH Cornwall’s MP has demanded answers following the ‘deeply unsatisfactory’ recruitment process of former Cornwall Councillor’s £70,000-a-year spaceport role.

Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, has written again to the Chief Executive of Corserv Group, Neil Edmond, this week. In the letter, the MP has demanded answers over what he describes as “deeply unsatisfactory” aspects of the recruitment process that led to ex-Cornwall Councillor Louis Gardner being appointed to a £70,000-a-year role at Spaceport Cornwall - a company owned by the council.

Maguire also confirmed that he is formally escalating the matter to the Commissioner for Public Appointments, due to major concerns over governance, transparency, and the integrity of the process.

The move follows reports that Devon and Cornwall Police are now investigating a complaint of “misconduct in public office” linked to the appointment.

In his latest letter, Mr Maguire questions the chief executive as to why the role was not re-advertised once it became clear that Cllr Gardner, who was present at a meeting where public funding for the organisation in question was approved, and did not declare his clear conflict of interest. The letter also challenges Corserv's defence of the appointment, stating it “stretches credulity” that no other applicants were suitable for interview​.

Commenting, Mr Maguire said: “This situation undermines public trust and raises serious questions about how this decision was made, and who knew what - and when.

“This entire scandal has seriously damaged the perception of fairness and integrity in public appointments here in Cornwall. When a cabinet member sits on a funding board one week, and is appointed to a lucrative job at that same organisation the next, the public absolutely deserves answers.

"I have continually said that I won’t let this be brushed under the carpet, and I urge those responsible to seriously reflect on their roles over these scandalous revelations.”