# Cornwall Council leadership turnover

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cornwall-council-leadership-turnover
> Updated: 2026-11-04T13:35:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Cornwall Council has experienced a period of significant leadership instability following several high profile resignations. In mid October, the council saw the departure of chief operating and finance officer Annabel Scholes, who cited personal reasons. This followed the resignation of CEO Kate Kennally after a month long leave of absence, and the departure of service director for people commissioning, Rachael Rothero.

By early November, the council held an extraordinary full council meeting in Truro to confirm interim appointments. Andy Keeling was named interim CEO and Lisa Kitto was appointed interim chief financial officer. The meeting also involved discussions regarding the leadership status of Corserv, a group of companies managing highways, transport, aviation, and care services, though council leadership noted that Corserv appointments are handled independently by its own board.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-04: Cornwall Council faces leadership upheaval and senior resignations

Cornwall Council faces a leadership crisis following the resignations of its chief executive, chief financial officer, and service director, alongside uncertainty regarding Corserv leadership.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cornwall-council-faces-leadership-upheaval-and-senior-resignations

### 2026-10-16: Cornwall Council faces wave of senior leadership resignations

Annabel Scholes has resigned as Cornwall Council’s chief operating and finance officer, marking the third senior leadership departure in just over a week following the resignation of CEO Kate Kennally.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cornwall-council-faces-wave-of-senior-leadership-resignations

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Cite as: Cornwall Council leadership turnover. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cornwall-council-leadership-turnover