A COUNCILLOR forced to resign her post in a row over comments she made about “young black males flooding our country” is facing a winding-up petition over £300,000 of unpaid rent.

Pauline Giles is facing a winding-up petition in the courts today (Tuesday, February 3).

St Blazey Recycle Reuse CIC, a community interest company incorporated by Ms Giles in 2018, is accused of occupying commercial premises without paying rent between March 2020 and July 2024.

Ms Giles has served as a Conservative councillor for Cornwall Council since 2017, representing St Blazey, and was most recently re-elected in May 2025.

She had previously attracted national attention after resigning as chair of Cornwall Council following a social media post referring to “young black males flooding our country” – comments widely condemned as racist.

While unrelated to the present proceedings, lawyers who have initiated the petition say the comment forms part of the public background to the case.

Brighton based litigation firm Helix Law, acting for the company’s landlord, said it had brought the proceedings following more than four years of alleged non-payment of rent.

The company first occupied a unit owned by Veronica Powell Limited in 2018, with rent initially paid by Cornwall Council.

Alex Cook, senior partner at Helix Law, said: “In April 2019, the company moved into a substantially larger 5,500 square foot unit and paid rent and associated charges until March 2020.

“From March 2020 until July 2024, the company remained in occupation after its lease was forfeited. No rent was paid during this period.

“The landlord put up with this because of the company’s charitable status.”

Overall rent arrears of more than £237,000 were accrued. The company’s filed accounts for the financial year ending in 2024 nevertheless recorded cash at bank and in hand of £226,783.

Since July 2025, Helix Law has sought to recover the outstanding sums.

Mr Cook added: "Community interest companies are not exempt from basic commercial responsibilities, and creditors should not be left exposed while debts of this scale are ignored.”

Ms Giles reportedly denied contractual liability, advanced a counterclaim characterised as vexatious, and ceased engagement after it was explained that the counterclaim did not amount to a valid defence.

A statutory demand was served on October 20, 2025, followed by a winding-up petition on December 23.

The petition will be heard today at the Business and Property Courts in Bristol.

Ms Giles has been contacted for comment.