The 2023 Torbay Council election was held on 4 May 2023 to elect members of Torbay Council in England. It coincided with local elections across the United Kingdom.
Before the election, the council was controlled by a coalition between the Liberal Democrats, with 12 seats, and Independents, with 10 seats. The largest party was the Conservatives with 13 seats. There was one vacancy following the death of Jane Barnby in February 2023.
Torbay, along with North Kesteven and Wyre Forest, were the only three councils gained by the Conservatives. Conservative leader David Thomas was appointed leader of the council at the subsequent annual council meeting on 16 May 2023.
Voter requirements To vote, residents must have registered by midnight on 17 April. Following the Elections Act 2022, voters at polling stations will need valid photo id. Voters who do not have one of the approved types of id can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline for applying for this election is 5pm on 25 April.
Wards The distribution of seats by ward is:
Ward Seats Barton with Watcombe 3 Churston with Galmpton 2 Clifton with Maidenway 2 Cockington with Chelston 2 Collaton St Mary 1 Ellacombe 2 Furzeham with Summercombe 3 Goodrington with Roselands 2 Kings Ash 2 Preston 3 Roundham with Hyde 2 Shiphay 2 St Marychurch 3 St Peters with St Marys 2 Tormohun 3 Wellswood 2 Total 36
Summary
Election result
Ward results The statement of persons nominated was published on 5 April 2023. Incumbent councillors are marked with an asterisk (*), except councillors running in a new ward who are marked with a dagger (†).
Barton with Watcombe
Churston with Galmpton
Clifton with Maidenway
Cockington with Chelston
Collaton St Mary
Ellacombe
Furzeham with Summercombe
Goodrington with Roselands
Kings Ash
Preston
Roundham with Hyde
Shiphay
St Marychurch
St Peters with St Marys
Tormohun
Wellswood
Changes 2023-2027
Wellswood councillor Patrick Joyce and Shiphay councillor Katya Maddison left the Conservative group in October 2023 to form a new group, Prosper Torbay, with Maddison as leader and Joyce as deputy leader.
Furzeham with Summercombe councillor Jason Hutchings left the Conservative group to sit as an independent, confirmed 22 May 2025, saying he felt "held back" within the group.
By-elections
Wellswood The by-election was triggered by the death of Prosper Torbay councillor Patrick Joyce on 12 April 2024.
References