LD regained this seat from Con — last held it in 2010.
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Steve Darling
Liberal DemocratsSteve Darling is the Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, and has been an MP continually since 4 July 2024. He currently undertakes the role of Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Work and Pensions).
MPs voted on the Third Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill — the final Commons vote on whether to pass the assisted dying legislation in its amended form. Passing Third Reading sends the Bill to the House of Lords.
Vote on whether to add a provision to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill ensuring that if an independent doctor dies or becomes too ill to complete their assessment before signing off on an assisted dying request, a further referral can be made to another doctor — mirroring an existing provision in the Bill for the attending doctor.
A procedural vote on whether to allow New Clause 16 to be formally considered as part of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at Report Stage, after proceedings had been interrupted on 13 June when an objection was raised. The debate excerpts do not reveal the substantive content of New Clause 16.
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Sign up freeCoverage of Torbay has been mixed for Steve across 40 recent articles.
Positive coverage
“Mums and babies 'let down' by Devon maternity care 'crisis'” — Devon Live
“Health chiefs pull plug on Torbay adult social care partnership” — Devon Live
Represented by LD since 2024. Covers Paignton and Torquay. Population 102,926, notably older (median age 48 vs 41 nationally). Median income £25K (below average).
'Farage wasn't a fan of this years ago - what are chances it'll be same again?'
EXPRESS · 9 Apr 2026
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Sign up freeMedian Income▼
£25,200
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Mean Income▼
£30,000
per year (HMRC 2022-23)
Businesses▼
3,095
VAT/PAYE registered (ONS 2024)
Schools▼
36
23 primary, 6 secondary, 7 other
Total Income Tax▼
£195m
from 53,000 taxpayers
Median Tax▼
£2,310
per taxpayer / year
Mean Tax
£3,640
per taxpayer / year
Source: HMRC Survey of Personal Incomes, tax year 2022-23. Allocated by taxpayer residence. Covers income tax only — excludes NI, VAT, and capital gains. Sample-based estimate (~8% confidence interval).
Attainment 8▼
45.7
average score (DfE)
GCSE Pass Rate▼
62.9%
5+ GCSEs 9-4 (DfE)
2 large towns, 1 village, rural areas — 104,346 total population
Source: ONS Built-Up Areas (Census 2021) + data.police.uk — crime rates are per 1,000 population (last 3 months)
Source: data.police.uk — street-level crime data aggregated from LSOA to constituency
25 councillors across 11 wards · Last elections: Jun 2024
| Ward | Party | Councillor | Elected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barton With Watcombe | Liberal Democrats | Mike Fox | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Steve Darling | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Swithin Long | May 2023 | |
| Clifton With Maidenway | Liberal Democrats | Cat Johns | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Maggi Douglas-Dunbar | May 2023 | |
| Cockington With Chelston | Conservative and Unionist Party | Mark Anthony Thomas Spacagna | May 2023 |
| Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Nicole Amil | May 2023 | |
| Ellacombe | Liberal Democrats | Jermaine Atiya-Alla | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Yannis Matthew Nicolaou | May 2023 | |
| Goodrington With Roselands | Conservative and Unionist Party | Hayley Jeanette Tranter | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | John Fellows | May 2023 | |
| Preston | Conservative and Unionist Party | Barbara Lewis | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Chris Lewis | May 2023 | |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | David Thomas | May 2023 | |
| Roundham With Hyde | Liberal Democrats | Chris Carter | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Nigel John Penny | May 2023 | |
| Shiphay | Independent Berwick Hills Resident | Darren John Cowell | May 2023 |
| Conservative and Unionist Party | Katya Maddison | May 2023 | |
| St Marychurch | Liberal Democrats | George Andrew Darling | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Kelly Louise Stephanie Harvey | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Ras Virdee | May 2023 | |
| Tormohun | Liberal Democrats | Cordelia Louise Law | May 2023 |
| Liberal Democrats | Mandy Darling | May 2023 | |
| Liberal Democrats | Nick Pentney | May 2023 | |
| Wellswood | Conservative and Unionist Party | Hazel Margaret Foster | Jun 2024 |
Source: DCLEAPIL v1.0 by Jason Leman, LEAP (Andrew Teale) & Democracy Club. CC BY-SA 4.0. Data last refreshed: 1 Apr 2026.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| LD | 18,937 | 41.1% | |
Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 13,588 | 29.5% |
| Ref | 8,660 | 18.8% | |
| Lab | 3,276 | 7.1% | |
| Green | 1,420 | 3.1% | |
| WPB | 234 | 0.5% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2017 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 29,863 | 59.2% |
| LD | 12,114 | 24.0% | |
| Lab | 6,562 | 13.0% | |
| Green | 1,239 | 2.5% | |
| Ind | 648 | 1.3% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2019 GEWon 2015 GE | Con | 27,141 | 53.0% |
| LD | 12,858 | 25.1% | |
| Lab | 9,310 | 18.2% | |
| Ind | 1,213 | 2.4% | |
| Green | 652 | 1.3% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
✓ Won 2019 GEWon 2017 GE | Con | 19,551 | 40.7% |
Won 2010 GE | LD | 16,265 | 33.8% |
| Ind | 6,540 | 13.6% | |
| Lab | 4,166 | 8.7% | |
| Green | 1,557 | 3.2% |
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| LD | 23,126 | 47.0% | |
| Con | 19,048 | 38.7% | |
| Lab | 3,231 | 6.6% | |
| Ind | 2,628 | 5.3% | |
| Ind | 709 | 1.4% | |
| Green | 468 | 0.9% |
Steve Darling has not appeared in national political news coverage tracked by our system. This is common for backbench MPs who focus on constituency-level work rather than national policy debates.
10 articles hidden as not sufficiently relevant to this constituency
John Cleese is expected to attend the touring Fawlty Towers stage show in Torquay next week. The original TV series was inspired by a real Torquay hotelier, making this a nostalgic return to the show's origins in the Devon seaside town.
A 57-year-old man has been banned from Torquay town centre until 2028 following a court order expansion due to repeated antisocial behaviour, public drunkenness, and abusive conduct. The Criminal Behaviour Order was varied following complaints from residents and the town centre business community.
Great Western Railway is testing new recyclable 'EcoSeats' with pocket spring technology on routes from Exeter to Exmouth and Paignton, funded by the Department for Transport. The seats eliminate polyurethane foam and flame retardant chemicals while meeting safety standards and offering improved durability and passenger comfort.
Devon and Cornwall Police conducted a 'Fatal Five' crackdown in late March across Torquay, Paignton, Newton Abbot and Kingsbridge, stopping 36 vehicles and arresting 10 people for dangerous driving offences including speeding, drink-driving, and driving without seatbelts. The operation resulted in multiple positive breath and drug tests, vehicle seizures, and highlighted ongoing road safety concerns in South Devon.
A travel feature about Agatha Christie's connection to Torquay, describing walking tours and hotel packages that explore how the author's hometown inspired her novels. The article highlights Christie's life in the area, specific literary locations, and tourism offerings in the English Riviera.
Police traffic enforcement schedule listing speed camera locations across Devon for one week, including multiple locations in Torbay area (Paignton and Torquay). This is a routine public information notice about traffic safety enforcement.
Torquay United climbed to third place in the National League South after winning both Easter weekend matches, with Dylan Morgan scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Bath City. The club is now four points off the top with three games remaining, representing a significant turnaround under interim manager Neil Warnock following Paul Wotton's departure.
Christians gathered on Devon beaches, including Paignton and Torre Abbey Sands in Torbay, on Easter Sunday for public baptisms across 12 churches of different denominations. Approximately 45 people were baptised as part of a traditional Easter celebration of faith commitments.
A promotional travel feature celebrating Meadfoot Beach in Torquay, highlighting its natural beauty, amenities, and appeal to both residents and visitors. The article emphasises the beach's Blue Flag status, nearby café, beach huts, and cliff walks, positioning it as a premier coastal destination comparable to or superior to other English seaside resorts.
A US family is relocating to Torquay due to political concerns about Trump's administration, with ChatGPT recommending it as their ideal UK location based on their preferences for a touristy seaside town. The family plans to move by summer's end and start a bed and breakfast business, attracted by Torquay's beaches, attractions, and amenities.
Plans have been revealed to demolish the fire-damaged Coppice Hotel in Torquay and replace it with 39 retirement apartments for over-60s. The development has received initial support from local councillor Hazel Foster and is expected to bring approximately £300,000 annually to the local high street.
Torquay United FC posted a near £750,000 loss in its first full financial year under Bryn Consortium ownership, though turnover increased by £400,000. The club continues to recover from previous administration and relies on substantial shareholder support, with management emphasizing progress in growing income despite ongoing financial challenges.
Devon's maternity care is in crisis with unsafe staffing levels, particularly outside working hours, according to local MP Caroline Voaden. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust's maternity unit has been rated 'requiring improvement' by the Care Quality Commission, and Voaden is calling for specialist doctors on every maternity unit 24/7 and better investment in staffing and facilities.
A US family has chosen Torquay in Torbay as their relocation destination after AI software recommended it as the UK's best seaside town. The family plans to move by summer's end and open a bed and breakfast, attracted by the town's amenities, beaches, and local attractions.
Torquay's Babbacombe Cliff Railway is celebrating its 100th anniversary on April 1st, with free rides offered throughout the day. The iconic attraction has been a key feature of Torbay's tourism landscape since 1926, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors over its century of operation.
A bus collided with a bungalow on the A379 Torquay Road in Shaldon, causing the road to close in both directions and significant traffic disruption. Emergency services including police and ambulance attended the scene.
Burrow Down Residential Home in Paignton has been downgraded to 'inadequate' and placed into special measures by the CQC following serious safeguarding failures. The care home, which supports autistic people and those with learning disabilities, was found to have breached multiple regulations including inadequate safeguarding, poor management, and restrictions on residents' freedom.
Two men were arrested following a fight on Market Street in Torquay that left one man with leg injuries. The incident involved three men and resulted in arrests on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Paignton Zoo's new Dutch owner Libéma has announced a major £multi-million transformation of the 103-year-old facility, reorganising it into four themed zones (Grasslands, Wetlands, Rainforests, Islands) with expanded habitats and improved visitor facilities. Work has already begun on the Grasslands zone, including new savannah enclosures and conservation initiatives.
Paignton Zoo's new Dutch owners, Libema, have unveiled plans for a major £millions redevelopment described as the most significant overhaul in the zoo's 103-year history. The transformation includes reorganizing the site into four themed zones (grasslands, wetlands, rainforests, islands), introducing new species including white rhinoceros and zebras, and enhancing visitor facilities, with work already underway and first new arrivals expected around Easter.
South-west England businesses and workers report significant impact from rising fuel prices due to Middle East conflict. A haulage firm and social care workers highlight concerns about long-term inflation, reduced demand, and personal financial strain, with particular vulnerability in rural Devon where car reliance is high.
Torbay Council approved the sale of land at Edginswell to the Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust, which plans to use it initially for parking but later for medical electronics departments and patient transport services. The decision was contentious due to the loss of employment-designated land, but councillors were reassured by the trust's long-term healthcare vision and the council's ability to reclaim the land if unused as intended.
A Florida family seeking to escape the political climate under Trump has decided to relocate to Torquay in Torbay after using ChatGPT to identify UK destinations. The family plans to move by end of July and open a bed & breakfast, attracted by the town's amenities and quality of life.
NHS health chiefs in Torbay have decided to end a 20-year pioneering adult social care partnership, leaving the council facing a £35million annual bill. The move affects 2,700 vulnerable adults and is strongly opposed by local representatives, including MP Steve Darling and councillors, who argue the partnership has saved millions by treating people in the community.
A US family fleeing Trump's America has chosen to relocate to Torquay after ChatGPT recommended it as the best UK destination for their needs. The family plans to move by summer and open a bed and breakfast, seeking a quieter life away from political turmoil.
The article explores a growing trend of young Brits hiring cottages for immersive gaming experiences like Dungeons & Dragons and murder mysteries. It features James Mackenzie-Thorpe, who runs D&D adventures at Kents Caverns in Torquay, Devon, as a notable example of how this trend is creating unique tourist experiences in local attractions.
Reading FC striker Reece Evans has joined Torquay United on loan for the 2025/26 season, providing the National League South club with an additional attacking option under manager Jimmy Ball. Evans is a young forward with experience at several clubs including Leicester City and Queens Park.
A 28-year-old man died at Torquay police station on 15 January after being arrested, prompting an Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation into three officers for gross misconduct. The inquiry will examine police decisions around the arrest, care provided during detention, and communications with the family.
The owners of the £23m Hotel Indigo in Torquay are seeking to overturn planning restrictions that currently ban local people from using the rooftop terrace bar, restaurant, spa and gym. The hotel's operators argue the exclusive-to-guests-only condition is punitive and undermines the hotel's contribution to Torbay's tourism economy, while the council had originally imposed the restriction to address neighbours' concerns about noise and traffic.
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