As the Chairman for Reform UK in Torbay, I am thrilled by the seismic shift we witnessed in the May 1st elections. Our party’s performance has not only defied the sceptics but has laid a robust foundation for transformative change in constituencies like ours. Nationally, Reform UK achieved unprecedented success — securing nearly 700 out of 1,640 contested local seats, gaining majorities on ten councils, winning the popular vote in 15 out of 23 authorities. We captured two mayoralties, including the inaugural positions in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull with East Yorkshire. In Staffordshire, we won 49 out of 62 seats to take control from the Conservatives. In West Northamptonshire, we went from no representation to holding 42 seats — securing a majority while unseating leaders from all major parties. These results are not just statistics. They reflect a growing connection with voters who feel disillusioned with the traditional parties. The Runcorn and Helsby by-election, where our candidate Sarah Pochin overturned a Labour majority of nearly 15,000 by just six votes, underscores our widening appeal across the political spectrum. For Torbay, these developments carry particular weight. In the 2024 General Election, I secured 18.8% of the vote and came third. That alone was a strong signal of the appetite for change among our local residents. These recent local election results now strengthen our platform and offer us renewed credibility as we work to take our message even further in the Bay. Torbay — once the jewel of the English Riviera — has been let down by years of under-investment and poor policy decisions. As someone who has spent much of my life in the tourism and leisure industries, I know first-hand what this area could be with the right leadership. It’s time we realised that potential and brought pride and opportunity back to our community. Our priority will be to revive the local economy, improve public services and ensure residents’ concerns are taken seriously. The media’s portrayal of Reform UK as a fringe movement has now been thoroughly discredited. Our ability to secure decisive victories across the country shows the scale of our support and the strength of our organisation. This momentum is no flash in the pan — it is part of a much broader political shift. Looking ahead, our commitment to key issues such as immigration, economic reform and restoring accountability in government remains unwavering. We are ready to challenge the old order and offer voters a strong, common-sense alternative built on sound policy and a belief in Britain’s potential. The May 1st elections have not only redefined Reform UK's standing — they have marked a turning point for British politics. Reform UK are now in pole position to win all upcoming elections. A new chapter has begun, and Torbay is ready to lead the way.
The disuse of such a prominent site in a prime location has sparked frustration from residents and fuelled political debate. While a deal has now been struck to hand over the site to ARC Marine an eco-engineering firm with plans to create a marine restoration centre opinion is far from united. The project promises to create jobs, build local talent and contribute to marine conservation efforts, which on the surface sounds commendable. But not everyone is convinced this is the best use of such a valuable space. Reform UK Torbay has voiced concerns about the lack of public consultation around the decision. Under the leadership of Gordon Scott, the party has argued that the site could be put to better use one that reflects what the people of Torbay actually want. Many locals have suggested that the land be returned to public use as open space or gardens, enhancing the harbour area and bringing long-term social value to the community. Former mayor Gordon Oliver has echoed these sentiments, warning against another project that benefits private interests without fully considering the needs of residents and local businesses. At the heart of the issue is a broader question of leadership and accountability. Steve Darling, Torbay's newly elected MP, has remained relatively quiet on the matter. His position both as a representative and as someone long-involved in local governance should place him in a prime position to steer this debate. But is he doing enough? Has he truly engaged with public opinion? As these decisions shape the very character of the town, it is fair to ask whether Steve Darling is the right person to deliver for Torbay. The situation with Living Coasts is more than a story about a closed zoo. It’s a reflection of the ongoing tension between centralised decisions and grassroots priorities. Reform UK Torbay continues to champion a more transparent, community-led approach one that puts residents at the centre, not on the sidelines. Whether those in charge are listening remains to be seen.
Torbay deserves real action, not excuses. Families in Torquay and Paignton are struggling, yet the homelessness crisis keeps getting worse. Over 1,600 people remain stuck on the housing register, a shocking 50% increase since 2018. The number of households in temporary accommodation has surged by 92% since 2019, with around 24 people sleeping rough every month. These are not just numbers. They are lives left in limbo by a broken system. Labour has failed the people of Torbay. Their latest Spring Statement introduced brutal welfare and public spending cuts, pushing 250,000 more people into poverty, including 50,000 children. More than 3 million households will suffer under their reckless austerity measures, with communities like Torbay hit the hardest. Those who rely on support have been abandoned while Labour prioritises political games over real solutions.
Care homes across the UK, including those in Torbay, are taking legal action against Rachel Reeves’ National Insurance hike - a policy that’s hitting private care providers hard and threatening to destabilise both the care sector and the NHS. This £26 billion tax increase, effective from April 2025, forces care homes to shoulder a £940 million annual burden, pushing many to the edge of collapse. If they fall, the NHS - already stretched thin - will face even greater strain as demand surges, leaving Torbay’s elderly and vulnerable at risk.
Reform UK stands for real change. Ending pointless bureaucracy will allow affordable homes to be built, ensuring local families are housed properly. Investment in community regeneration will give neighbourhoods like Melville Hill the resources they need without forcing through brutal austerity. Rather than cutting people off, Reform UK believes in rebuilding from the ground up. The people of Torbay are already working hard to improve their community. The "Making Melville Marvellous" project has helped clean up the streets, install CCTV and bring neighbours together. These efforts are making a difference, yet without proper support from national government, they will never be enough. The Labour Government, Conservatives and now the Liberal Democrats have failed Torbay. Reform UK will not stand by while people struggle. Change is possible, but only with leadership that puts local people first.
Torbay deserves better. Families in Torquay and Paignton are being let down by a housing crisis that continues to deepen. Over 1,400 families remain stuck on a waiting list with no end in sight. The Labour government's recent Spring Statement has only made things worse. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has slashed £14 billion from public spending, cutting welfare and pushing 250,000 more people into poverty. Torbay's most vulnerable residents now face even greater uncertainty, struggling to find secure housing while the government turns its back.
Ann Widdecombe, on behalf of Reform UK Torbay, has raised concerns about the future of cardiac care services at Torbay Hospital.
Did you know that if you suffer a heart attack in Torbay, you may not receive treatment locally? Instead, you might need to be transferred all the way to Exeter, a 40-minute drive away - far longer than the 9 minutes it takes to reach Torbay Hospital. In a medical emergency, every minute counts. So, what happens if bad traffic or snow on Haldon Hill delays your journey? This is a very real concern for our community. With approximately 457 people in Torbay dying each year from heart-related issues, the question arises: will these numbers increase if people are forced to travel further for emergency care? The added stress and risk to lives could be significant.
For years, Oldway Mansion has been falling apart. Once a grand part of Torbay’s history, it now stands in ruins. Endless delays, wasted money and a lack of leadership have left it this way. The people in charge should have protected it, but they failed. Torbay Council has spent years deciding what to do. They have written reports, formed committees and asked for funding - but nothing has changed. Now, fixing it will cost £54 million. People are asking why it was left this long. The answer is clear: weak leadership, bad planning and poor spending choices. The Mess at Oldway Mansion The slow progress speaks for itself. It took until 2025 just to start fixing the roof. Even then, the council needed an £8 million government bailout. Meanwhile, Friends of Oldway, a volunteer group, had to shut down the Tearooms because the building had become unsafe. Local people want to help, but the council keeps failing them. Even with all their so-called ‘plans’ and ‘strategies,’ the council still has no real way to restore the mansion without wasting more public money. This is what Reform UK wants to change. Reform UK’s Solution: Clear Spending, Strong Leadership and Local Control Reform UK believes in smart spending. Taxpayers’ money should be used wisely, not wasted on endless meetings and delays. If local councils were run well, Oldway Mansion wouldn’t be in this state of disrepair. Reform UK would cut red tape. Too much public money is wasted on admin and consultants instead of real action. Councils must work faster and smarter. Spending needs to be focused. While millions are lost on failed projects and pointless schemes, historic buildings like Oldway Mansion fall apart. Reform UK would force councils to focus on real improvements. Local people should have control. Volunteers and community groups like Friends of Oldway care more than the council. Reform UK would let them take charge and get things done. Time for Real Change Oldway Mansion is not the only problem. Across the country, historic buildings, roads and public services are failing because of weak leadership. Reform UK wants a new approach - one that puts efficiency, responsibility and community first. Torbay and the rest of the UK deserve better. If we want thriving communities, we must change how councils work. Reform UK is ready to make that change. The question is: how much longer will we put up with failure? ---------------------------------------------------------- Photo Copyright 2019 by Benedict Fothergill
Local councils have a duty to spend public money wisely. But is Torbay Council doing that? On Thursday 27 February from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, the council is hosting a free “Let’s Talk Inclusion – Race Equality Workshop” at the Torbay Business Centre in Torquay. The workshop aims to promote inclusion in local businesses and encourage discussions about race equality. The session is being run by Diversity Business Incubator (DBI), a group of inclusion experts. It will focus on different types of discrimination and give attendees skills to challenge it. The idea sounds positive, but is it really necessary? Will this event improve people’s lives in Torbay, or is it just another example of councils spending money on trendy ideas rather than real issues? Public services are struggling. Hospitals face long waiting times, roads are full of potholes and schools lack funding. People across Torbay are dealing with real problems every day. Yet instead of focusing on these urgent needs, the council is spending time and money on workshops that may not provide any practical benefits. Reform UK believes that public money should be spent on things that make a real difference. Of course, treating people fairly is important, but does this kind of event actually help? Or is it just a feel-good exercise designed to make the council look good? There are serious questions to be asked about whether this is the best use of taxpayer money. Workshops like this often follow the same pattern. They talk about inclusion, discrimination and diversity, but do they lead to any real change? Or do they just add to the growing list of expensive programmes that make little difference to ordinary people? Most taxpayers would probably prefer to see their money spent on fixing roads, improving local healthcare or supporting struggling families. It is time for people in Torbay to ask tough questions. The council needs to explain why it chooses to fund events like this instead of focusing on more urgent issues. Local businesses and residents deserve to know that their money is being used in the best way possible. So, is this workshop really worth it? Or should the money be spent on things that actually improve daily life for people in Torbay?
