FOR my first column as Cornwall councillor, I want to keep it personal. These first two weeks have been a whirlwind.

I now have the privilege of representing Truro Moresk and Trehaverne at Cornwall Council level. And my strange little claim to fame? I won with the lowest percentage in the country. Just 19 per cent. That tells you how divided things are right now.

I take no pleasure in unseating Cllr Chris Wells; he served this ward for the past four years, and I have deep respect for him.

The first day of full council felt like heading into the unknown. We were going to vote in the new leader and chair, and form an administration.

My day started early. My carers take an hour to get me up. I skipped breakfast. I felt sick to my stomach. Not just nerves; the weight of it.

What if I messed up? What if I said something wrong? What if I embarrassed myself? What if I let you down? I cannot do this.

The council chamber was freezing. Most people can shiver and warm themselves up. I can't. How disrespectful would it look to to wear my beanie hat inside?

The meeting itself was calm. Leigh Frost, a good Cornish local who cares about the community, took on leadership. As chair, Rob Nolan is a familiar face and strong local voice.

I voted against a motion to delay mandatory training. We need it. We need to know what we should and should not do. The code of conduct is not just about Big Brother, it’s about respect - how we talk to each other and work together.

The day was over before I knew it. The officers at Cornwall Council have been helpful and supportive. Being severely paralysed, working in an able-bodied world is no small task.

And the councillor allowance? It’s not even minimum wage if you treat the job seriously, so I’ll probably end up worse off financially. Let’s see how that goes.

But now the real work starts. Truro’s car parks, cobbled streets, uneven pavements. A transport strategy that actually works.

And the emails. So many emails. Residents struggling with all sorts of things. It’s overwhelming. But the sun is out, and that helps.

Here’s to making a difference, not just putting fires out. I don’t shy away from challenges.

I’m in this. All the way.

Steven Webb (Lib Dem): Truro City Council and Cornwall Council, Moresk and Trehaverne