Torbay by-election to be held

Councillor Rick Heyse resigns for personal reasons.

Cllr Heyse was elected alongside Liberal Democrat Lee Howgate in the ward at the local council vote in May.

A partnership of Liberal Democrats and Independents took control of the council after the election with 21 of the 36 seats, pushing the Conservatives into opposition.

Cllr Heyse said in a statement: “It was an absolute privilege and honour to be elected

to Torbay Council for Goodrington with Roselands and help the new administration start to turn the tide on poverty in Torbay. 

“Unfortunately my personal circumstances have changed, which means that I cannot continue in the demanding role of being a Councillor.”

Liberal Democrat council leader Steve Darling said: “Given Rick’s commitment to social justice and to standing up for Goodrington with Roselands, it is a real shame that he feels he needs to stand down.

“However the new Council administration will continue the work to turn the tide on poverty in Torbay that Rick is so keen on.”

The council has imposed a spending freeze for the second year in a row to tackle a projected overspend of around £4m driven by rising costs of children’s social care.

Government funding has dropped from £36m to £6m over the last six years.

The council is now consulting on setting up town councils in Torquay and Paignton which could take over at-risk services.