Lib Dems launch campaign bid for Torbay constituency

Torbay Liberal Democrats have launched their campaign for the 2024 general election. 

Steve Darling was elected more than a year ago by the Torbay constituency party to fight for the Liberal Democrats in the Bay.

In last year’s local elections 26 council seats were up for election in the local constituency and Torbay returned 15 Liberal Democrat Councillors, nine Conservatives and two Independents. 

A spokesman said: "This clearly demonstrates that the Liberal Democrats understand people's concerns and are making positive changes for those living in Torquay and Paignton. It shows the Liberal Democrats have good prospects of winning in the General Election later this year."

Torbay Liberal Democrats chairman Pam Bagnall said: ”The launch date was set in the hope that we would be having a General Election on May 2. We now know the Prime Minister has bottled it and has run away from an election this spring. We have an extremely strong candidate with Steve who was brought up in Torbay.  

"With his decades of public service, whether as a case worker for former Liberal Democrat MP for the Bay, Adrian Sanders, or through his councillor role, he has helped thousands of lives."

Mr Darling said: "I am really pleased with the warm welcome that we have been receiving as we speak to voters on the doorsteps. People raise issues such as the state of the NHS, cost of living crisis and sewage in our seas time and time again when I speak to them.

"It feels like a once in a generation opportunity to change who is running the country and who champions the bay in Westminster and I feel very humbled to take this challenge on for my community."