# Cornwall Council Spaceport grant controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cornwall-council-spaceport-grant-controversy
> Updated: 2026-08-18T15:50:27.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026, Cornwall Council began probing a confidential settlement linked to former councillor Louis Gardner. Gardner had approved a £200,000 grant for Spaceport Cornwall while holding a senior economic portfolio, a move later judged to breach the council’s code of conduct on five points. After a week as head of Spaceport Cornwall, he resigned on the day of the May 1, 2025 elections. Monitoring officer Paul Grant disclosed that a secret agreement was signed to facilitate Gardner’s exit and to protect the airport company from potential tribunal claims, with a payment exceeding £100,000 kept confidential.

By early August 2026, further details emerged regarding Gardner’s transition to chief operating officer at Open Skies Network (OSN), an air-space infrastructure provider. Councillor Andrew Mitchell called for a full investigation into how Gardner obtained both positions and the secret settlement, labeling the arrangement unacceptable. In response, Cornwall Council withdrew the £200,000 funding.

On August 18, 2026, the CEO of Open Skies Network defended Gardner’s employment, stating he is an “asset to the company and the community.” OSN clarified that the organization has received no funding or investment from Cornwall Council, Corserv, or Cornwall Newquay Airport. The controversy continues to focus on the non-disclosure agreement signed between Gardner and Corserv, a group of companies owned by Cornwall Council.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Open Skies Network CEO defends employment of former councillor

The CEO of Open Skies Network has defended employing former Cornwall councillor Louis Gardner following controversy over his previous role at Spaceport Cornwall and a non-disclosure agreement.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/louis-gardners-employment-defended-by-osn-ceo

### 2026-08-07: Louis Gardner controversy over Cornwall Council Spaceport grant

Former councillor Louis Gardner resigned after approving a £200k grant to Spaceport Cornwall, then took a COO role at Open Skies Network; a confidential settlement followed and calls for investigation have been

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/louis-gardner-controversy-over-cornwall-council-spaceport-grant

### 2026-07-23: Cornwall Council probes secret payout to former spaceport councillor

Cornwall Council is investigating a secret settlement with former spaceport councillor Louis Gardner after he resigned a week into his role, amid questions over a £200,000 grant and code‑of‑conduct breaches.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cornwall-council-probes-secret-payout-to-former-spaceport-councillor

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Cite as: Cornwall Council Spaceport grant controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cornwall-council-spaceport-grant-controversy