Devon Politics 2025: A Year of Transformation
In 2025, Devon politics experienced significant changes, particularly in Plymouth and Torbay. Although there were no elections for the Plymouth City Council, the city still faced critical leadership challenges.
Leadership Challenges in Plymouth
Businessman Angus Forbes played a pivotal role in the local political landscape. He is known for his ties to former Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell. Forbes successfully initiated a referendum that aimed to establish a directly-elected city mayor for Plymouth. This move sparked intense debates across the city.
Campaign Dynamics
As the campaign progressed, tensions boiled over. Council leader faced a “serious threat of violence” leading up to the referendum vote held in July. Despite the fervor, supporters of the referendum ultimately fell short during the voting process, leaving the city council’s leadership intact.
Investments in Torbay
Meanwhile, Torbay’s political scene took a different turn. The local council presented ambitious investment plans targeting Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. These initiatives aim to attract developers and stimulate economic growth in the region.
Political Landscape in Torbay
The recent political dynamics have also impacted party standings in Torbay. Following a defection, the Conservative Party now holds 17 of the 36 seats on the council. The political makeup is complemented by 15 Liberal Democrats and four independent representatives.
- Conservatives: 17 seats
- Liberal Democrats: 15 seats
- Independents: 4 seats
The events of 2025 reflect a transformative year in Devon politics, with ongoing discussions about leadership and development opportunities. As these changes unfold, the communities of Plymouth and Torbay will continue to adapt to their evolving political environments.
