The 2023 Torridge District Council election took place on 4 May 2023, to elect all 36 members of Torridge District Council in Devon, England.
Prior to the election the majority of the councillors were independents, with 17 of the 19 independents forming the "Independent Group" led by Ken James, who served as leader of the council. After the election the council went under no overall control. The Independent Group remained the largest grouping, and Ken James was reappointed leader of the council at the subsequent annual council meeting on 22 May 2023.
Summary
Election result
Of the 16 independent councillors after the election, 14 formed the Independent Group led by Ken James, the other two sat with the Greens as the "Green Independents" led by Green councillor Peter Christie.
Ward results Incumbents are denoted by an asterisk (*) Appledore
Bideford East
Bideford North
Bideford South
Bideford West
Broadheath
Great Torrington
Hartland
Holsworthy
Milton & Tamarside
Monkleigh & Putford
Northam
Shebbear & Langtree
Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin was a sitting councillor for Great Torrington ward.
Two Rivers & Three Moors
Westward Ho!
Winkleigh
Changes 2023–2027
James Craigie, elected as an independent, left the Independent Group in May 2025 to join the Green Party.
Bideford North by-election
By-election triggered by death of Green councillor Peter Christie.
Appledore by-election A by-election was held on 17 April 2025 after the disqualification of independent councillor Leonard Ford.
Milton & Tamarside by-election A by-election was held on 23 October 2025 after independent councillor Kit Hepple resigned on moving to New Zealand.
Winkleigh by-election A by-election was held on 4 December 2025 after Conservative councillor Simon Newton resigned on moving out of the area.
References