It is starting to look as if David Cameron might not appoint a government minister for Cornwall after all, despite the Conservatives' pre-election promises. As Cornwall councillor Andrew Wallis has commented on this blog, with all six of Cornwall's MPs now sitting on the government benches it is difficult to see what additional benefits a minister could bring.
Perhaps more urgent is a focal point for any opposition. Next week heralds the start of a £6billion cost-cutting exercise which is likely to be very painful, with Liberal Democrat MP David Laws, now chief Secretary to the Treasury, helping to wield the axe.
The Liberal Democrats will be so involved that their continued "opposition" on Cornwall Council will inevitably be portrayed as trying to have their cake and eat it. If a school doesn't get built, or promised council houses don't materialise, it will simply not be credible to duck the blame.
The Labour Party in Cornwall was the largest "anti-Con-Lib" vote at the general election, followed by UKIP, Mebyon Kernow and the Green Party. Not much chance of a realignment there; no obvious candidate for leader of the Opposition in Cornwall. So who do we call for the voice of principled, constructive dissent?
Suggestions, please.
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