George asks returning officer for ‘permission’ to attend Helston Flora Day

Andrew George playing St Piran in Hal an Tow

 

With the General Election count due to take place on Flora Day, May 8th, the local MP who was born and brought up in the area and who has always taken part in Flora Day celebrations has written to the General Election Returning Officer to ask advice on when he would need to attend the Count due to take place at Carn Brea during that same day.

Traditionally, the St Ives constituency (covering the whole of West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly including Helston and the Lizard) Count does not commence until after the Isles of Scilly boxes are brought over the following day. That means that the Count will commence as soon as practicable on the morning of Friday May 8th.

Mr George plays “St Piran” in the morning Hal an Tow pageant and, as local MP, traditionally takes part in the Midday Dance commencing from the Corn Exchange at 12 noon.

Mr George said, “Of course it would be discourteous not to attend the Count and to thank all of the staff who will have been working many hours to complete work which is necessary across a number of constituencies.  But timing could be crucial.  If it is possible to fulfil part or all of my traditional commitments on Helston Flora Day that would be wonderful.  I’ve never missed Flora Day and it would be upsetting to do so.”