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24 Oct 2025

Tributes pour in after sudden death of Councillor

As a mark of respect, the flag at Torquay Town Hall will be flown at half-mast until sunset on the day of his funeral

Tributes pour in after sudden death of Councillor
Tributes have been paid to Torbay councillor Patrick Joyce after his sudden death.
Mr Joyce was originally elected as a Conservative councillor for Torquay's Wellswood ward in the last local elections.
But he and former Tory colleague Katya Maddison made the headlines when they decided to quit the then council ruling Conservative group and form their own, new group: Prosper Torbay.
Cllr Maddison, who represents the Shiphay ward in Torquay, said after his death yesterday: "I shall miss Patrick a great deal. He was a great colleague and friend, with a strong sense of what was right which he somehow combined with a brilliantly irreverent sense of humour. And he was a Torbay boy and there are many, many friends and family around the bay who will be finding their lives poorer for his loss."
He leaves behind a partner, Ross.
Lib Dem councillor Swithin Long was among those quick to pay tribute to Cllr Joyce.
He said: "I am incredibly sad to hear the news that Patrick Hall has passed away. I first met him at a Torbay Business Forum Business Breakfast a few months before the 2023 local elections. We may have been in different political parties in those elections but that didn’t stop us working together on the Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Committee.
"He was a Councillor with integrity and we worked more closely when he left the Conservatives to help form Prosper. My thoughts are very much with his friends and family at this difficult time."

Leader of the Council, Cllr Dave Thomas, said; The whole Conservative group were shocked and saddened to hear of Patrick’s passing. He was extremely keen on representing his community and achieved that aim in May 2023, when he was elected as one of the Wellswood councillors.

“We fondly remember the great effort and passion he had for Adult Social Care and Health issues. He was a natural in his role from his very first day in the job as Chairman of the Scrutiny Board.

“Our deepest condolences to his family and friends and all those who were touched by his presence and work.”

Cllr Steve Darling, Leader of Liberal Democrat Group, said; “Patrick was a man of integrity who put his community and council work first. He was very well respected by councillors across the Chamber. Liberal Democrat councillors and myself are shocked and upset at the passing of Patrick. I only spoke to him a couple of days before his passing, and he was full of ideas and plans for the future.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family at this very difficult time.”

Cllr Darren Cowell, Leader of the Independent Group, said; “Both myself and Cllr Nicole Amil were truly saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Patrick. He was passionate in his role as a Councillor and particularly as Overview and Scrutiny Lead for Adults.

“We both considered him in high regard as did his councillor and officer colleagues. Our sincere condolences go to his family and numerous friends.”

Cllr Patrick Joyce was elected in 2023 to the Wellswood Ward. He served as:

  • Overview and Scrutiny Lead for Adults, Community Services, Public Health, and Inequalities.
  • Chairman of Adult Social Care and Health Overview Scrutiny Sub-Board.
  • Deputy Leader of Prosper Torbay Council.
  • Member of Licensing Committee and Overview and Scrutiny Board.
  • Appointed to Local Safeguarding Adults Board.

As a mark of respect, the flag at Torquay Town Hall will be flown at half-mast until sunset on the day of his funeral.

A by-election will now be called in Wellswood.

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