A Newquay Cornwall councillor who was criticised for not attending meetings has taken a special leave of absence.

Christine Parsonage, whose constituency covers St Columb Minor and Colan, says she is taking a break from her council duties from between September 9 and December 7 to concentrate on her “wellbeing.”

It follows Newquay mayor Cllr Drew Creek demanding better representation from the councillor after reporting she had not attended a Newquay Town Council meeting since being elected on May 1.

Cllr Parsonage, who lives 40 miles away in Torpoint, has also received criticism after admitting she was a “paper candidate” and “did not expect to be elected.”

Her husband, Rob Parsonage, the leader of the Reform UK group at Cornwall Council, said: “In discussion with Cornwall Council Cllr Christine Parsonage has taken special leave to concentrate on her wellbeing following press and social media interest that has happened using effectively misinformation.

“She is planning to return to the role as a councillor in a number of weeks time.

“I discussed the issue with the chair of Cornwall Council, Rob Nolan, and the leader of Cornwall Council, Leigh Frost. I made it clear that stoking this type of interest is unacceptable and Reform UK will fully support any councillor irrespective of party should similar circumstances happen to them.

“Cllr Christine Parsonage has received many emails of support from those that elected her to Cornwall Council.”

Cornwall Council states Cllr Parsonage’s special leave is in accordance with its agreed special leave policy.

It added: “During this period, please contact Cornwall councillor Kevin Towill in respect of queries relating to St Columb Minor or Cllr Rowland O'Connor in respect of queries relating to Colan.”

Town councillor Steve Slade, who is among those to have criticised Cllr Christine Parsonage, said: “We all wish her well, with whatever issue has caused her to take this protracted absence.”