May 2021
Elected Falmouth Town Councillor
In May 2021 Zoe was elected as a Labour Town Councillor for the Arwenack Ward in Falmouth, Cornwall. A lifelong campaigner, Zoe entered local government hoping to turn community activism into practical action. She quickly discovered that passing motions was only the beginning, and that transparency, accountability and decision-making inside the Council raised difficult questions.
The Council initially worked well together, delivering community events and projects for Falmouth residents.
Summer 2021
Increasing numbers of people living in vehicles highlighted the growing housing crisis in Cornwall, so much so a local “Housing Emergency” was declared. Attempts to find practical and compassionate solutions by some Councillors revealed the limits of local authority powers and, at times, their willingness to help.
Summer 2023
Hosting the Tall Ships Race in the summer of 2023 brought celebration and investment to Falmouth, but also raised wider questions about public spending, safety, accessibility and local priorities.
Zoe’s involvement during the event marked the beginning of one of the most challenging periods of her councillorship, resulting in multiple Code of Conduct complaints, significant local media attention and disputes that would shape the remainder of her term.
For the full insider’s perspective, read more here.
2023–2024
Continuing Despite Growing Challenges
As tensions within the Council increased, Zoe remained determined to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to her by the people who had elected her. She sought reasonable adjustments, continued working on behalf of residents and tried to find ways of making her role sustainable despite mounting personal and professional difficulties.
2024
Police Complaint and Reasonable Adjustments
At the beginning of 2024, Zoe was informed that she had been reported to Devon & Cornwall Police by the Mayor over allegations of stalking and harassment. After a nine-month investigation, the case was closed with no further action due to a lack of evidence.
During the same period, Zoe was denied the full reasonable adjustments she needed to carry out her role, making it increasingly difficult for her to fulfil her legal responsibilities as a Councillor.
May 2025
Completed Her Term as Falmouth Town Councillor
Three years of public service | May 2021 – May 2025
Throughout her time on the Council she worked on a wide range of community projects, championed environmental and social issues, and sought to improve transparency and public engagement. The challenges she encountered also prompted wider questions about equality, inclusion and the support available to disabled elected representatives.
By the end of her term, however, the cumulative impact of those experiences on her health, wellbeing and ability to carry out the role had become significant. Although encouraged by many members of the community and the Green Party to stand again, Zoe chose not to seek re-election in 2025.
Zoe’s time as a Councillor left a number of lasting contributions to the community, including a resilient public map of Falmouth for community events, improved pedestrian signage at Swanpool Cemetery and the establishment of a winter Wassail tradition in Falmouth. The experiences documented throughout this timeline continue to shape Zoe’s work on transparency, accountability and disability equality, while reinforcing her belief that public service should be accessible to everyone willing to undertake it.