Stephen Reynolds steps down as Mayor of Penzance after three terms

After three years of leading the parish through one of its most disruptive periods in decades, Stephen Reynolds is ready to go surfing again.

The Penzance town councillor hands over the ceremonial chain of office tonight at the 46th Annual Mayor Choosing Ceremony, drawing a line under a mayoralty that made local history.

📷St Piran's Day 2025 celebrations in Penzance. Photo by Penzance Council

A first in 60 years

Stephen became a town councillor in 2021 and was first elected Mayor in 2023. Last year, he was unanimously voted in for a third consecutive term, the first person to achieve that in Penzance for 60 years.

Once nicknamed the “Sheriff of Heamoor,” he leaves the top job having steered the council through the early stages of £21.5 million worth of Town Deal projects, work that has brought significant disruption to the parish alongside the promise of long-term change.

Green spaces and Cornish identity

Stephen’s time in office wasn’t just about the big regeneration money. He backed the successful transfer of Princess May Recreation Ground to Penzance Council, and took a Neighbourhood Plan to referendum that now gives the highest degree of protection to more than 80 green spaces in the local area.

He has also been a vocal champion of Kernewek and Cornish identity, weaving the language into every council meeting and civic event. It was Stephen who instigated the Cornwall-wide response from town and parish councils rejecting a devolution deal that would have lumped Cornwall in with Devon.

📷Keen surfer Cllr Stephen Reynolds is stepping down as Mayor of Penzance after three years. Photo by Penzance Council

At home in overalls and wellies

The role brought audiences with Royalty and VIPs, but Stephen has always said he felt most at home at local community events, whether in overalls and wellies on a volunteer day or leading parades of schoolchildren in full ceremonial garb.

Reflecting on his three terms, he said: “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.”

He thanked his fellow councillors, the staff at Penzance Council, and his consort Jane for their support, and wished his successor every success.

“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!”

Stephen will continue as a town councillor. The new Mayor of Penzance will be announced this evening following the Mayor Choosing Ceremony.

📷The 45th Annual Mayor Choosing Ceremony of Penzance Council held in St John's Hall, Penzance, on Monday 19 May 2025. Photo by Penzance Council