Living Cornwall Editor
Cornwall's unique and often troubled political history is to be the subject of a university research project.
Led by Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes, it will explore the peninsula's political heritage and sometimes uneasy relationship with Westminster.
Launched at the Institute of Cornish Studies, which is part of the University of Exeter's Tremough Campus, Mr Hughes said the new Cornish Political Studies Programme will cover research into 20th century personalities like Isaac Foot and Beatrice Rathbone in the context of electoral behaviour, political traditions and community governance.
Institute of Cornish Studies' assistant director Dr Garry Tregidga said: "Our aim is to investigate the political culture of Cornwall past and present. A sense of distinctiveness is evident at a variety of levels, including the regional strength of the Liberal Democrats and the recent challenge of Mebyon Kernow.
"In particular, the survival of an 'Independent' tradition in local government makes Cornwall stand out and it is these factors that will be explored, compared and contrasted with other European regions."
Researchers plan to make a series of oral history recordings with individuals from across the political spectrum, interviewing all Cornwall's MPs, leading members of Cornwall Council and members of the public. In addition, analysis of election statistics, including the results of forthcoming elections to Cornwall Council and the European Parliament, will be studied in depth.
John Ault, a political historian at the University of Exeter's Tremough Campus in Penryn, added: "Cornwall's political history stands out from the norm because of the nature of the area. As part of our research we want to build on the communities' memories of their involvement in or awareness of Cornish politics. Whatever people can find in their loft or remember from an event they attended, we want to hear from them."
An inaugural conference will be held at Tremough on June 21 on the subject of The Politics of the Celtic Fringe. Admission is free. For further information, email G.H.Tregidga@exeter.ac.uk or call 01326-371888.
